The Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce), Mr. Adetayo Akerele, has reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering dedication to ensuring safety, environmental cleanliness, and traffic discipline across the state.
Speaking during a quarterly media briefing at the agency’s Oshodi headquarters on Tuesday, Akerele cautioned media organisations against disseminating unverified information, stressing the importance of fact-checking before publication.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend where members of the public and some media outlets wrongly attribute the responsibilities of other government bodies to the taskforce, particularly in matters relating to enforcement along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes.
“The rules governing the corridor are not for the benefit of the taskforce or any agency, but for the larger Lagos population.
“Our interventions aim to ensure safety, convenience, and peace of mind for Lagosians,” he said.
Addressing a recent controversy sparked by a viral video shared by an online television platform, Akerele dismissed claims that taskforce operatives unlawfully seized a vehicle and drove against traffic.
“An internal investigation confirmed the videos were misleading, showing that the vehicle had been impounded for driving against traffic and the operatives provided video evidence showing the driver attempted to escape.
“The online television media appears to be attempting to use its platform to exert undue influence and pressure the agency for personal gain,” he said.
The chairman emphasised that journalists must uphold professionalism by verifying facts before publishing reports capable of damaging the agency’s reputation.
He also responded to allegations of extortion, maintaining that the taskforce operates strictly within the confines of the law and in line with its mandate, adding that no personal interest should override its collective responsibility.
Akerele further revealed that the state government would reintroduce its monthly voluntary sanitation exercise in April as part of efforts to enhance public health, noting that the taskforce would play a key role in its enforcement.
He concluded by urging residents and media practitioners to engage constructively with the agency, highlighting the need for cooperation in sustaining a cleaner, safer, and more orderly Lagos.
