By Emamuzo Iboma
… prosecutes scores for reckless waste dumping
In a fresh offensive, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has used surveillance and investigative efforts to arrest more than 300 people and bring charges against numerous others for waste disposal violations.
The arrests came about as a result of a partnership with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), which conducted both day and nighttime surveillance operations to find and capture people and companies engaged in unlawful dumping throughout the city.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA’s managing director and CEO, affirmed that the organization has implemented extensive tactics, such as the use of mobile enforcement units and surveillance teams, to keep an eye out for environmental violations and guarantee adherence to sanitation regulations.
In collaboration with LAGESC, our nighttime enforcement and surveillance team has arrested more than 300 individuals for a variety of waste-related offenses, he stated. Numerous people have already been charged in court and given community service sentences. Those determined to thwart the Authority’s efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness will be discouraged by this.
The arrest of one Engr. Akinsola along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road at approximately 9:20 p.m. on February 7, 2025, is one instance that I would like to draw attention to. During interrogation, the person appeared to be a police officer and was caught disposing of trash at the road median. His home lacked a trash can, and it was not even registered with any Private Sector Participant (PSP) for appropriate waste disposal, according to subsequent investigations. He acknowledged following his landlord’s instructions. He is currently facing legal action.
Another operation on Shasha Road resulted in the arrest of 25 people, including six car owners, for dumping a lot of trash at the Abati Primary School fence using their own vehicles. Likewise, at 10:37 p.m. on February 5, 2025, a woman named Fatima was apprehended disposing of trash close to the Micom Bus Stop on Akowonjo Road. Her address was not listed with any PSP, just like others. She is currently being prosecuted”, he stressed.canals, road medians, and drains, stating that violators faced a minimum fine of ₦25,000 and possible imprisonment under Section 109 of the same law.
“LAWMA will not relent in its mandate to make Lagos cleaner and safer for all. Enforcement is key, and we are leaving no stone unturned,” he insisted, adding that the Authority would continue to monitor, arrest and prosecute offenders.
He also mentioned that the organization conducts ongoing door-to-door campaigns to encourage participation in PSP operators and waste bin ownership through the “Adopt A Bin” program, as well as community sensitization programs to teach locals how to properly dispose of their waste.
The LAWMA boss observed that new innovations, like the deployment of tricycle compactors and expansion of recycling programs, would help reduce the city’s dependence on dumpsites and improve access to waste collection in difficult-to-reach areas.
He called on residents to play their part by reporting erring neighbors or landlords, patronising only registered PSPs, and taking collective ownership of their environment.
“Our goal is to prevent avoidable issues like flooding and disease outbreaks. We can’t achieve this without the support of the people. Environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility, this is the era of, “See something, Say something” he concluded.
For complaints and inquiries, residents are encouraged to call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng
