… prosecutes scores for reckless waste dumping
The Lagos Waste Administration Authority (LAWMA) has arrested over 300 individuals and prosecuted scores, for waste disposal infractions in a renewed offensive, by surveillance and investigative actions.
The arrests resulted by a collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), from day and night time surveillance efforts, geared toward figuring out and apprehending people and companies concerned in unlawful dumping throughout the town.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed that the company had deployed complete methods, together with using surveillance groups and cellular enforcement models, to observe environmental infractions and guarantee compliance with sanitation legal guidelines.
He stated, “Our night time surveillance and enforcement crew, working with LAGESC, has apprehended over 300 folks for varied waste-related infractions. Many have already been charged to court docket and plenty of sentenced to group service. This may function a deterrent to these bent on derailing efforts of the Authority to maintain cleanliness of the surroundings”.
“I like to notice some particular incidents, together with the arrest of 1 Engr. Akinsola alongside Egbeda-Akowonjo Street at about 9:20pm on February 7, 2025. The person was caught dumping waste on the highway median, claiming to be a police officer throughout questioning. Investigations later revealed his residence had no waste bin and was not even registered with any Non-public Sector Participant (PSP) for correct waste disposal. He confessed to appearing below the instruction of his landlord. Authorized proceedings have commenced towards him”.
“In one other operation on Shasha Street, 25 people, together with six automotive homeowners, have been arrested for utilizing private autos to dump massive portions of waste on the fence of Abati Major School. Equally, a lady recognized as Fatima was caught on February 5, 2025, at 10:37pm dumping waste close to Micom Bus Cease alongside Akowonjo Street. Like others, her residence was not registered with any PSP. She is presently being prosecuted”, he confused.
These arrests, in response to him, revealed the dimensions of unlawful dumping actions throughout the town, particularly below cowl of darkness, with the culprits claiming ignorance of the regulation or blaming their landlords.
Dr. Gbadegesin referenced Part 82(1) of the Lagos State Environmental Administration and Safety Legislation, which prohibits waste dumping in unauthorised areas corresponding to highway medians, drains, and canals, noting that offenders risked fines of at the least ₦25,000 and potential jail time below Part 109 of the identical regulation.
“LAWMA won’t relent in its mandate to make Lagos cleaner and safer for all. Enforcement is vital, and we’re leaving no stone unturned,” he insisted, including that the Authority would proceed to observe, arrest and prosecute offenders.
He additionally famous that the company runs steady group sensitisation packages, to coach residents on correct waste disposal, and door-to-door campaigns, to advertise patronage of PSP operators and possession of waste bins below the ‘Undertake A Bin’ programme.
The LAWMA boss noticed that new improvements, just like the deployment of tricycle compactors and enlargement of recycling packages, would assist cut back the town’s dependence on dumpsites and enhance entry to waste assortment in difficult-to-reach areas.
He referred to as on residents to play their half by reporting erring neighbors or landlords, patronising solely registered PSPs, and taking collective possession of their surroundings.
“Our aim is to stop avoidable points like flooding and illness outbreaks. We are able to’t obtain this with out the help of the folks. Environmental safety is everybody’s duty, that is the period of, “See one thing, Say one thing” he concluded.
For complaints and inquiries, residents are inspired to name LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or go to www.lawma.gov.ng.
Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
Director, Public Affairs
