The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its enforcement efforts to curb illegal waste dumping in Lagos. In a recent operation, the authority sealed several premises identified for persistent illegal waste dumping along Ago Palace Way and arrested 11 persons for unauthorised handling and disposal of waste in various parts of Lagos Island. This move is part of LAWMA's strategy to enforce existing waste management regulations and promote compliance with approved waste disposal practices.
According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the enforcement operations aim to tackle activities contributing to waste build-up and environmental nuisance on road setbacks, medians, and other unauthorised public spaces. He emphasised that waste should be properly bagged and handed over to accredited private sector participation operators, and that businesses and property owners must take responsibility for waste generated within and around their premises.
The Ago Palace Way operation covered plazas, hotels, lounges, and warehouses along the corridor, while the enforcement exercise on Lagos Island covered Tinubu, Apongbon, Oke-Arin, and CMC areas. During the exercise, 11 persons were arrested for illegal waste disposal, including Shabban Tasiu, 20 years, Nkechukwu Nwokeji, 40 years, Kolawole Elija, 28 years, Sunni Sado, 30 years, Subairu Lawal, 28 years, Abi Lawal, 22 years, Sufianu Musa, 20 years, Yusuf Lawan, 18 years, Ahmed Lawal, 25 years, St. Peter Eze, 23 years, and Udo Richard, 32 years.
Dr. Gbadegesin warned that indiscriminate waste disposal remains detrimental to the environment and could undermine sanitation gains across the State. He urged residents, traders, and businesses to desist from dumping waste on roads, walkways, drains, and other unauthorised locations, and to use approved waste disposal channels instead. The LAWMA boss emphasised that achieving a cleaner Lagos requires the collective responsibility of government, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.
The enforcement exercise is part of LAWMA's broader strategy to improve environmental cleanliness, tackle violations at source, and promote responsible waste management behaviour. Dr. Gbadegesin reiterated that the exercise was not intended merely to apprehend offenders, but to promote compliance and encourage a sustained change in public attitude towards waste management.
LAWMA's Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, noted that the authority will continue to monitor different parts of the State and take appropriate enforcement action against persons and businesses found violating environmental regulations. He encouraged members of the public to report instances of illegal dumping and other waste management violations through LAWMA's established channels.
The authority has urged residents, traders, businesses, and property owners to comply with environmental regulations and support LAWMA's efforts to keep public spaces clean, accessible, and environmentally safe. By working together, Lagos can achieve a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents.
Key points
- LAWMA arrests 11 persons for illegal waste disposal in Lagos Island.
- The authority seals premises identified for persistent illegal waste dumping along Ago Palace Way.
- LAWMA warns against indiscriminate waste disposal, urging residents and businesses to use approved waste disposal channels.
