The Lagos State Government has warned Sarah Martins, to stop cooking and sharing food on public roads and walkways in the state, citing environmental and public order rules.
The caution was issued by the Political Head of the State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, in a statement released on his official communication channel.
Addressing the actress directly, Wahab said: “We acknowledge and appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind what you are trying to do, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations. Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns.”
The commissioner stated that the actress had earlier been cautioned over a similar action.
“You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention and pleas. I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos in order to avoid apprehension and prosecution.”
He advised that charitable programmes should be organised through approved channels and at designated locations to prevent breaches of environmental rules.
“If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and in approved locations so that your efforts can support vulnerable people without violating existing laws and constituting an environmental nuisance,” the Commissioner warned.
Wahab added that residents and visitors must obey the laws guiding activities within Lagos, stressing that the state, known as the “Centre of Excellence.”, expects the same level of compliance seen in other regulated cities.
“We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city,” he emphasized.
