The Lagos State government has cautioned Nollywood actress Sarah Martins against cooking and distributing food on public streets in the state, citing violations of environmental and public order regulations.
Authorities said the activity, though charitable in intent, poses safety, sanitation, and traffic concerns when conducted on public roads, walkways, and road medians.
The warning was issued by the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a letter addressed to the actress and shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday.
In the message, Wahab acknowledged Martins’ humanitarian effort to support vulnerable residents but emphasised that such activities must comply with existing laws governing the use of public infrastructure in the state.
According to the commissioner, cooking or trading on public infrastructure is not permitted under Lagos State environmental and public order regulations. He explained that preparing and distributing food on streets could obstruct traffic, create sanitation challenges, and expose both the volunteers and the public to potential safety risks.
Wahab stated that while the government recognises the compassionate motive behind the actress’s actions, she must desist from conducting similar activities in public spaces. He warned that failure to comply with the directive could lead to enforcement actions by relevant authorities.
“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,” Wahab wrote.
He further noted that Martins had previously been cautioned over the same activity in 2025. At the time, authorities reportedly showed understanding due to the philanthropic nature of the initiative and allowed the matter to pass without strict enforcement measures.
However, the commissioner said the government expects residents to respect established regulations designed to maintain environmental order and public safety across the state.
“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 to avoid apprehension and prosecution,” Wahab said.
The commissioner encouraged Martins to continue her charitable work through proper channels and approved locations where her efforts could still support vulnerable individuals without violating environmental laws or causing disruption in public spaces.
He noted that humanitarian initiatives are welcome in Lagos but must be carried out in ways that align with existing policies governing sanitation, safety and the use of public infrastructure.
“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 added.
The warning comes months after an incident in October 2025 in which officials of the Lagos State environmental enforcement agency reportedly apprehended Martins while she was cooking and distributing food on a Lagos street.
During the operation, her cooking equipment was seized by enforcement officers, sparking widespread reactions on social media.
The incident drew mixed responses from the public, with some critics condemning the action of the officials while others supported the enforcement of environmental regulations.
At the time, the commissioner defended the operation, stating that the actress had carried out unauthorised activities on public infrastructure in violation of environmental and sanitation regulations.
Videos circulating online after the incident showed Martins appearing distressed and claiming that she sustained a burn injury during the confrontation with enforcement officials.
The controversy also drew the attention of Seyi Tinubu, son of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who clarified that he did not personally donate N20 million to the actress’s foundation as widely speculated. He explained that some of his friends had instead contributed funds to help Martins secure a dedicated space where she could continue her charitable activities legally.
Reiterating the state government’s position, Wahab stressed that Lagos expects all residents and organisations to comply with environmental regulations just as they would in any well-regulated city.
He added that adherence to these rules is necessary to maintain public order, ensure safety and preserve the cleanliness of the state while still allowing individuals and groups to carry out charitable activities in approved and organised settings.
