Lagos govt warns actress Sarah Martins against cooking food on streets

2026-03-07 - 22:07

The Lagos Government has cautioned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins over her recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets. The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, conveyed the warning in a letter addressed to the actress, which he shared on his X handle, @tokunbo_wahab, on Saturday. According to Wahab, the practice violates the state’s environmental and public order regulations. In the letter, Wahab acknowledged the spirit of charity and compassion behind Martins’ efforts to provide food for vulnerable people. He, however, noted that carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways, or road medians in Lagos was not permitted under the state’s environmental and public order regulations. According to the commissioner, cooking or trading on public infrastructure raises significant safety, sanitation and traffic concerns. “The actress had previously been cautioned over a similar activity in 2025, when authorities exercised understanding, due to the philanthropic nature of the initiative. “Martins should desist from conducting street cooking or similar activities in public spaces, to avoid possible apprehension or prosecution,” he stated. The commissioner further encouraged her to continue her charitable work through proper channels and in approved locations, where such outreach could support vulnerable residents, without violating existing regulations or creating environmental nuisance. He reiterated the state government’s expectation that all residents comply with the law, stressing that Lagos, like any well-regulated city, requires adherence to established environmental and public order rules. (NAN)