Lagos Govt Takes Justice to the Streets, Sensitises Residents on Traffic and Environmental Laws

In a bid to foster compliance with environmental and traffic regulations among residents, the Lagos State Government, through its Special Offences (Mobile) Court, on Friday, January 30, 2026, rolled out a comprehensive public sensitisation programme across key locations in the state, including the Lagos Safety Arena, Oshodi, Iyana Ipaja, Ojota, and Ikorodu.

The initiative, dubbed “Justice on Wheels: Know the Law, Keep Lagos Clean, Safe and Orderly,” aimed at educating Lagosians on critical issues such as one-way driving violations, improper use of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes, and the obstruction of public spaces. This move aligns with the state’s broader agenda to promote a law-abiding society and reduce infractions through awareness rather than just enforcement.

Representing the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, the Director of Citizens’ Rights, Mr. Ogunsanya Jonathan, underscored the government’s dedication to making justice accessible and people-oriented. “The Mobile Court is not only an instrument of enforcement but also a vital platform for public education. Through sensitisation exercises like this, we seek to prevent infractions by ensuring that citizens clearly understand their rights, responsibilities, and the consequences of violating the law,” he stated.

Mr. Pedro further assured residents of the administration’s unwavering commitment to humane and lawful strategies in enhancing civic responsibility and upholding the rule of law in Lagos.

Earlier at the event, the Coordinator of the Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mr. Olufemi Adekunle, highlighted the programme’s objective to close the knowledge gap between the justice system and the populace. “Our goal is to reduce avoidable offences by bringing legal knowledge directly to the people. When citizens understand the law, compliance becomes easier and enforcement less necessary,” he explained.

Adding his voice, the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences, Mr. Adetayo Akerele, emphasised the pivotal role of environmental cleanliness and traffic discipline in ensuring public safety. He warned that offences like obstructing public areas, misusing BRT lanes, and driving against traffic not only disrupt daily life but also sabotage the state’s vision for a clean, safe, and orderly Lagos. “We urge all residents to adhere to these laws for the greater good,” Akerele appealed.

The sensitisation featured lively interactions with commuters at bus stops, distribution of informational fliers, and real-life demonstrations of common offences along with their associated penalties under the Special Offences (Mobile) Court.

This latest outreach builds on the Lagos State Government’s sustained crackdown on environmental and traffic violations.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, in December 2025, the state secured the conviction of one Makinde Rasaq at the Special Offences (Mobile) Court in Oshodi for multiple environmental offences, including indiscriminate waste dumping and operating without a valid licence. The convict faced sentences ranging from one to three months of community service or imprisonment across seven counts, signaling the government’s zero-tolerance stance. Similar stakeholders’ meetings and sensitisation campaigns were flagged off in late 2025 to decongest prisons and promote community service as an alternative to incarceration.

The Ministry of Justice has reiterated its pledge to sustain such programmes, encouraging Lagosians to embrace traffic rules, maintain environmental hygiene, and conduct their affairs lawfully. With Lagos being one of Africa’s most populous cities, experts say these efforts are crucial in curbing urban chaos and promoting sustainable living.