Lagos State Justifies KAI Action Against Sarah Martins' Street Cooking, Cites Environmental Laws

The Lagos State Government has formally defended the enforcement action taken by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), an arm of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), against Nollywood actress and philanthropist, Sarah Martins.

The action, which involved stopping her "street cooking" charity initiative in the Lekki area, was justified by the state as a necessary measure to uphold environmental regulations and maintain public order.

The controversy arose after videos circulated online showing a distressed Sarah Martins, founder of the Golden Heart Foundation, alleging harassment, seizure of her cooking equipment, and sustaining a burn injury from hot oil during the confrontation with KAI officials. Martins was reportedly cooking free meals for the less privileged on a street in Lekki Phase 1 when the incident occurred.

Addressing the incident, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, issued a statement clarifying that the actress was apprehended for "engaging in unauthorised activities on public infrastructure," specifically the road median.

The Commissioner acknowledged the commendable spirit of philanthropy behind Martins' efforts but stressed that charitable work is not exempt from the state's extant laws.

Key Points from the Lagos State Government's Statement:

1. Contravention of Regulations: Martins' charitable cooking on the road median "unfortunately contravened existing environmental and sanitation regulations."

2. Compliance is Mandatory: While the government appreciates philanthropy, such initiatives "must be carried out in compliance with the state's extant laws to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and urban order."

3. Public Safety and Order: The unauthorized use of public spaces, like road medians, poses "significant risks, including damage to infrastructure, health hazards, and disruption to traffic flow."

4. Campaign Alignment: The enforcement action is part of the government's ongoing #KeepLagosClean and #ZeroToleranceLagos campaigns, aimed at "preserving the city's aesthetic and functional integrity."

The Ministry urged all residents and organisations involved in charitable endeavors to "partner with relevant agencies for guidance on compliant practices," advising them to utilize designated spaces or seek necessary approvals. This collaborative approach, they argued, would ensure that goodwill efforts amplify their positive impact without compromising the state's standards for safety and cleanliness.

The state's defence emphasizes the administration's commitment under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to fostering a clean, sustainable, and orderly Lagos, irrespective of the good intentions behind the contravening actions.