The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins over her recent activity of cooking and distributing food on public roads in the state.
The caution was delivered by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday evening.
Government Raises Safety and Sanitation Concerns
In the statement, the commissioner acknowledged the charitable intent behind the actress’s actions but emphasized that carrying out such activities on public roads violates existing environmental and public order regulations.
“My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos,” Wahab wrote.
“While 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.”
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According to him, activities such as cooking or trading on public infrastructure can create safety risks, sanitation problems, and traffic disruptions.
“Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns,” he added.
Previous Warning Issued Last Year
The commissioner also revealed that the actress had previously received a warning over a similar activity last year.
At the time, authorities reportedly allowed the initiative to continue because of its philanthropic purpose and appeals made on her behalf.
“You were previously cautioned about this same issue last year due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention and pleas,” Wahab stated.
However, the government now insists that the practice must stop if it continues to take place in public spaces.
Advice to Use Approved Channels
Tokunbo Wahab urged Sarah Martins to explore alternative ways of carrying out her charitable activities without violating the law.
He recommended that such initiatives be organized through approved venues and official channels that ensure proper coordination and safety.
“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,” he said.
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Call for Compliance With Regulations
The commissioner concluded by emphasizing that all residents, regardless of status or profession, are expected to comply with state laws and regulations.
“We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city,” Wahab said.
The warning highlights the Lagos State Government’s efforts to enforce environmental and public order regulations while encouraging charitable activities to be carried out in a structured and lawful manner.
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