…says “No hiding place for offenders”
The
Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has ramped up its night
surveillance operations, leaving no hiding place for persons hiding
under the cover of darkness, to dispose of their waste at illegal
locations. The agency has reiterated its commitment to enforcing
environmental laws, ensuring that offenders are identified and
prosecuted accordingly.
Speaking on the renewed
offensive, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin,
noted that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement teams were
operating round the clock, to track and apprehend individuals who defy
waste management regulations, noting that the heightened night
monitoring was yielding results, as multiple arrests had been made in
recent days.
Commenting further, he cited
instances of recent arrests: “On 7 February 2025, at approximately 9:20
p.m., LAWMA’s enforcement team caught an individual, Engineer Akinsola,
unlawfully dumping refuse at the road median along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road,
near Micom Bus Stop. Upon interrogation, the suspect falsely claimed to
be a police officer. Further investigation at his residence confirmed
the absence of a designated waste storage facility and no record of
registration with an authorised Private Sector Participant (PSP) for
waste disposal. Akinsola admitted that his landlord had instructed him
to dispose of the waste at the road median. He is being prosecuted
accordingly.
“Also in another incident, LAWMA’s
Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team, responded to a
complaint about illegal dumping at Abati Primary School, Shasha Road.
Upon arrival, the team discovered extensive waste disposal infractions
and apprehended over 25 individuals. Among those arrested were six
vehicle owners who had used their cars to transport and dispose of large
volumes of waste. All arrested environmental violators will be
prosecuted.”
The LAWMA boss cited yet another
incident: “On 5 February 2025, at approximately 10:37 p.m., an
individual identified as Fatima was caught dumping waste at the road
median near Micom Bus Stop along Akowonjo Road. Investigations revealed
that her residence lacked a designated waste storage facility, and she
was not registered with a PSP for waste collection services. She, too,
will be prosecuted for flouting environmental laws.”
Gbadegesin
stressed that LAWMA was not only intensifying enforcement but also
expanding its public sensitisation efforts, as the agency’s advocacy
team was conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns, educating
residents on proper waste disposal practices.
He
urged residents to report challenges or dissatisfaction with waste
collection services to LAWMA instead of resorting to illegal dumping,
particularly at night, as loose waste at illegal dumpsites indicates
that many households around the area do not own waste bins.
Gbadegesin
reaffirmed LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy towards environmental
infractions and emphasised that every Lagos resident had a role to play
in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment, encouraging
residents to make use of the agency’s dedicated customer service
channels, to report any issues with waste collection, stressing that
indiscriminate dumping would no longer be tolerated.
He
said: “LAWMA remains steadfast in its mission to transform Lagos into a
cleaner and more sustainable city, ensuring that all offenders are
brought to justice. We want to urge all residents to comply with waste
management regulations and contribute to a cleaner metropolis for all.”
For
inquiries, complaints, or further updates, please contact LAWMA through
the toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, and 617,
or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
Director, Public Affairs
12/02/2025
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