On June 14, 2025, an environmental sanitation exercise was carried out in Makoko, Lagos State, by the Lagos State Youth Ambassadors in collaboration with Youth Climate Movement supported by Mundus maris, LAWMA, Ministry of Environment, LAWMA NEXT GEN CONNECT and the GREEN CLUB UNILAG. The clean-up was organized in commemoration of World Ocean Day and aimed to address the growing problem of plastic and domestic waste pollution in the waterfront community of Makoko, one of the most environmentally vulnerable settlements in Lagos.

The exercise brought together over 45 volunteers. The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) provided technical support to ensure the proper collection and disposal of waste materials.

The clean-up began with a briefing and safety orientation for all participants, after which volunteers were grouped into two and deployed across key locations within the community, especially areas along the lagoon and around the markets. The collective efforts of the teams led to the removal of over 1,500 kilograms of waste, primarily consisting of plastic bottles, nylon bags, and household refuse. One of the zones covered during the exercise included a section notorious for illegal fuel dumping, which was identified for further monitoring and regulatory intervention.

Beyond the physical clean-up, the initiative incorporated a robust community engagement component. Volunteers conducted shop-to-shop sensitization campaigns, educating residents on the environmental and health risks associated with improper waste disposal, the importance of recycling, and the need for long-term community ownership of environmental protection efforts.

The project was spearheaded by Ambassador Obadare Adenekan the State Youth Ambassador for Lagos State, also an associate member of Mundus maris asbl and Mr Victor from the partner organization – Youth Climate Movement, whose leadership ensured a well-coordinated, inclusive and impactful operation. The event was not only significant in terms of waste removal but also in fostering a spirit of environmental consciousness and civic responsibility among the youth and broader Makoko community. Importantly, this exercise marked the first youth-led, community-based clean-up effort in the Makoko waterfront area, setting a precedent for similar interventions in underserved urban communities.

Following the success of the clean-up, the Lagos State Youth Ambassadors has outlined a series of follow-up activities, including environmental education workshops, upcycling and creative reuse training for young people, and stakeholder dialogues aimed at promoting sustainable waste management practices in Makoko. The organization has also committed to maintaining engagement with the community to ensure that the clean-up marks the beginning of a sustained environmental improvement campaign.

In conclusion, the Makoko Clean-Up was a well-executed initiative that addressed immediate sanitation concerns while laying the foundation for long-term environmental stewardship in one of Lagos’ most marginalized communities. The collaboration between youth, local stakeholders, government agencies, and civil society partners demonstrated the power of coordinated grassroots action in driving meaningful change.