The Lagos State Government has cautioned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins against cooking and distributing food on public roads in the state, saying the activity violates environmental and public order regulations.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on his official X handle on Saturday evening.
“My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos,” he 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,” the commissioner stated.
“Cooking or trading on public infrastructure poses safety, sanitation and traffic concerns,” Wahab added.
The commissioner also disclosed that the actress had previously been cautioned over a similar activity last year but was allowed to continue at the time due to the philanthropic nature of the initiative.
He continued: “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 the actress to channel her charitable outreach through approved locations and proper channels so that assistance to vulnerable residents can be provided without violating environmental laws.
“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,” Wahab added.
He further emphasised the importance of compliance with the law by all residents.
“We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city,” he said.