The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested over 300 individuals for engaging in indiscriminate waste disposal across the state, as part of its intensified efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness and uphold sanitation laws.
The disclosure was made in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Folashade Kadiri, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the arrests were the outcome of a collaborative operation between LAWMA and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), utilising both day and night surveillance to track and apprehend offenders dumping waste illegally.
LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the authority had deployed a combination of surveillance teams and mobile enforcement units to clamp down on infractions, with several culprits already prosecuted and sentenced to community service.
“Our night surveillance and enforcement teams, in conjunction with LAGESC, have apprehended over 300 individuals for various waste-related offences.
“ Many have been arraigned in court, with some sentenced to community service as a deterrent to others,” Dr. Gbadegesin stated.
He cited notable incidents, including the February 7 arrest of one Engr. Akinsola along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road, who was caught dumping waste on the road median and falsely claimed to be a police officer.
Investigations revealed that his residence was not registered with any Private Sector Participant (PSP) and had no waste bin.
He later confessed to acting under his landlord’s instructions. Legal proceedings have since commenced against him.
In another operation along Shasha Road, 25 individuals, including six vehicle owners, were nabbed for dumping waste using their private cars at the fence of Abati Primary School.
Similarly, a woman identified as Fatima was apprehended at Miccom Bus Stop on February 5 while offloading waste. Her residence was also unregistered with a PSP operator.
“These arrests highlight the scale of illegal dumping activities in the state, especially at night. Offenders often claim ignorance of the law or shift blame to landlords,” the LAWMA boss said.
He referenced Section 82(1) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which prohibits waste disposal in unauthorized areas like medians, drains, and canals.
He added that violators risk fines starting at ₦25,000 and possible imprisonment under Section 109 of the law.
Reaffirming LAWMA’s commitment to a cleaner Lagos, Dr. Gbadegesin stated, “We are leaving no stone unturned in enforcing environmental regulations. The era of indiscriminate waste disposal is over.”
He also noted that LAWMA continues to engage residents through community sensitisation campaigns and door-to-door outreach to promote responsible waste management.
Residents are encouraged to patronise registered PSPs and embrace the agency’s ‘Adopt-A-Bin’ initiative.
To improve waste collection in hard-to-reach areas, LAWMA has introduced tricycle compactors and is expanding its recycling programmes.
Dr. Gbadegesin urged Lagosians to report defaulters and play an active role in protecting the environment.
“Our ultimate goal is to prevent avoidable disasters like flooding and disease outbreaks. Environmental sustainability is a collective duty. If you see something, say something,” he added.
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