The commissioner for the environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has warned actress Sarah Martins to stop cooking food on public roads in Lagos state.
The warning was issued on Saturday by the commissioner who said the activity violates environmental and public order regulations.
Wahab said: “Dear @officialsarahmartins, my attention has been drawn to your recent activity of cooking and distributing food on the streets of Lagos. 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.”
He added: “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.”
The commissioner noted that although the government recognises the charitable intention behind the outreach, cooking on roads and walkways could create sanitation concerns, safety risks and traffic disruption.
He advised the actress to channel such humanitarian activities through approved venues and organised platforms that comply with state regulations.
Wahab also indicated that the warning was not the first issued to Sarah over the activity, noting that officials had previously shown restraint because of the charitable nature of her outreach.
Sarah has gained attention for organising street feeding programmes aimed at helping vulnerable people in Lagos.
In October 2025, the actress accused officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as Kick Against Indiscipline, of harassment after they stopped her from cooking food during a charity outreach in the Lekki area.
The state government later explained that the intervention was necessary because cooking or trading on roads and sidewalks is prohibited under Lagos environmental sanitation laws meant to maintain public order, safety and cleanliness.
Authorities have again urged the actress to comply with the regulations while continuing her charitable work through approved channels.
