The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced that, commencing next week, it will begin the arrest and prosecution of buyers patronising illegal roadside and median markets in the state, as part of efforts to break the cycle of illegal trading and indiscriminate waste disposal.
The authority said the enforcement would cover persons purchasing goods from traders operating on roads, medians, setbacks, walkways and other unauthorised public spaces, in line with Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this at the authority’s headquarters on Tuesday, stressing that the renewed enforcement strategy would target not only illegal traders but also those patronising them.
According to him, the law provides for sanctions against buyers who purchase goods displayed or offered for sale in prohibited public spaces.
He said, “The law does not only prohibit illegal street trading. It also makes it an offence to buy goods exposed or offered for sale in prohibited places.
“From next week, anyone found buying from traders operating on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks or other unauthorised spaces will be arrested, alongside the traders, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
Gbadegesin added that anyone convicted of the offence could face a fine of N90,000, imprisonment for six months, or both.
He explained that illegal roadside and median markets often contribute to environmental degradation, as trading activities generate waste that is subsequently dumped in drains, on roads and other public spaces.
He said such practices not only obstruct drainage channels but also worsen traffic congestion, compromise road safety and create public health risks.
“Our objective is to stop the cycle that allows illegal trading and indiscriminate waste disposal to return after enforcement operations.
“Traders occupy public spaces because people continue to patronise them. Buyers must understand that their actions sustain the problem and that they are also accountable under the law,” he said.
The LAWMA boss said the authority was also strengthening waste collection services in inner streets and communities around previously cleared dumping hotspots, noting that identified service gaps would be addressed as part of efforts to sustain environmental improvements.
He, however, warned that deliberate dumping, redumping and patronage of illegal markets would continue to attract enforcement.
Gbadegesin urged residents and businesses to patronise recognised markets and make use of approved waste collection channels, stressing that convenience should not be prioritised over public health, environmental sanitation, road safety and the orderly use of public spaces.
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement, stakeholder engagement and improved waste collection services, saying the measures were aimed at eliminating open dumping and promoting a cleaner and more orderly Lagos.
