The Lagos State Government has cautioned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins against cooking and distributing food on public roads in the state, stating that the activity violates environmental and public order regulations.
The warning was issued by Tokunbo Wahab, who made the statement in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday evening.
According to Wahab, the government became aware of the actress’s recent activity of preparing and sharing food with people directly on the streets of Lagos.
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While acknowledging the charitable intention behind the gesture, he stressed that such actions must still comply with existing environmental and public safety regulations.
“My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos,” Wahab wrote.
He added that although the government appreciates acts of compassion and charity, using public infrastructure such as roads, walkways, or medians for cooking and food distribution is not permitted under Lagos environmental laws.
“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,” the commissioner stated.
Wahab further explained that cooking or trading on public roads can create multiple concerns, including safety hazards, sanitation issues, and traffic disruptions.
According to him, such activities may expose both the volunteers and the beneficiaries to unnecessary risks while also affecting public order.
“Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns,” he added.
The commissioner also revealed that this was not the first time the actress had been warned about the activity. He disclosed that she had previously been cautioned last year when a similar situation occurred.
However, at the time, authorities reportedly allowed her to continue because of the philanthropic intention behind the initiative and the 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 said.
Despite acknowledging her good intentions, the commissioner advised Martins to immediately stop conducting such activities in public spaces to avoid possible legal consequences.
“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 warned.
Wahab also encouraged the actress to continue her charitable efforts, but through proper channels and approved locations. He explained that this would ensure that assistance reaches vulnerable residents without violating environmental regulations or creating public disturbances.
“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 environmental nuisance,” he said.
The commissioner concluded by stressing that all residents and public figures in Lagos are expected to obey the law and follow established regulations, just as they would in any well-regulated city around the world.
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