Lagos cautions Nollywood actress Sarah Martins against cooking on public roads

Lagos Government Warns Actress Against Street Food Distribution

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to actress Sarah Martins regarding her activities of cooking and distributing food on public roads. Officials state that these actions violate environmental and public order regulations.

The notice was delivered by Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, through a post on his official X account on Saturday.

“My attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos,” Wahab wrote, acknowledging the charitable intent behind her actions but emphasizing the legal implications.

“While we appreciate the spirit of compassion, conducting such activities on public roads, walkways, or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations,” he added. Wahab highlighted safety, sanitation, and traffic concerns associated with cooking or trading on public infrastructure.

This is not the first time the actress has faced scrutiny for similar activities. Wahab noted that she had been cautioned about this practice last year but was permitted to continue at that time due to the philanthropic nature of her initiative.

“I would strongly advise that you desist from carrying out street cooking or similar activities in public spaces in Lagos to avoid apprehension and prosecution,” he stated.

Wahab encouraged Martins to direct her charitable efforts through approved locations and proper channels, ensuring that assistance reaches vulnerable residents without contravening 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 an environmental nuisance,” he said.

The commissioner underscored the necessity for all residents to comply with local regulations. “We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city,” he concluded.

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