The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says it has intensified enforcement operations across the state to curb indiscriminate waste disposal, black spots and persistent environmental violations that threaten public health.
LAWMA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in a statement on Monday, acknowledged challenges in waste management in some areas, but said the Authority remained committed to eliminating reckless disposal practices.
He said Lagos’ coastal geography made strict enforcement unavoidable, noting that waste dumped into drains and canals worsened flooding, contaminated water sources and disrupted the city’s environmental systems.
“A bag of refuse tossed into a drain anywhere in the metropolis does not disappear. It blocks culverts, worsens flooding, exposes households to contaminated water and sends plastics and debris into our canals and lagoon systems.
“Illegal dumping has consequences far beyond the act itself,” he said.
Gbadegesin said the Authority had moved from episodic exercises to an intelligence-driven enforcement model, integrating surveillance, community reporting and swift prosecution of offenders.
He said the agency had carried out far-reaching operations in several parts of the state and had arrested and prosecuted violators to serve as deterrent.
“Enforcement is central to our mission. Lagos cannot achieve a clean, flood-resilient city without consequences for illegal dumping and non-compliance.
“We are acting decisively to ensure there is no room for environmental infractions,” he said.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA would continue to work with Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and provide backup services in areas needing urgent attention.
He added that the state government was supporting PSP operators to recapitalise for better service delivery.
He said the Authority had recently completed the evacuation of a notorious dumpsite in Somolu Local Council Development Area, in partnership with Somolu LCDA, Bariga LCDA and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), which would now secure the site and conduct night and early-morning patrols.
He disclosed that several offenders had been apprehended, including commercial tricycle operators who were caught dumping waste illegally.
“This shows that advocacy and enforcement must be continuous and backed by real-time surveillance,” he said.
The chairmen of Somolu LCDA and Bariga LCDA pledged stronger collaboration with LAWMA to sustain advocacy and enforcement, in line with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources’ directive for LGAs and LCDAs to take ownership of waste management in their areas.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA had strengthened public sensitisation through radio programmes and social media, focusing on recycling, proper waste disposal, the role of PSP operators and penalties for environmental violations.
He urged residents to acquire covered waste bins, avoid patronising cart pushers and desist from indiscriminate dumping, stressing that environmental protection was a shared responsibility.
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“While enforcement is our duty, voluntary compliance is what will secure the future. Lagosians must embrace responsible waste disposal because a polluted environment eventually harms everyone,” he said.
He advised residents to report suspicious waste movements or infractions and contact LAWMA through its toll-free lines — 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617 — or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
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