Eleven persons have been arrested by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for alleged illegal waste disposal on Lagos Island, as the agency also sealed premises along Ago Palace Way over persistent dumping.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the enforcement operations underscored the Authority’s resolve to enforce existing waste management regulations and ensure compliance with approved waste disposal practices across Lagos.
In a statement issued on Thursday by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, PhD, Gbadegesin said the Ago Palace Way operation covered plazas, hotels, lounges and warehouses along the corridor, as part of efforts to tackle activities contributing to waste build-up and environmental nuisance on road setbacks, medians and other unauthorised public spaces.
He added that the enforcement exercise on Lagos Island, covering Tinubu, Apongbon, Oke-Arin and CMC areas, led to the arrest of 11 persons for alleged unauthorised handling and illegal disposal of waste.
Those arrested were Shabban Tasiu, 20; Nkechukwu Nwokeji, 40; Kolawole Elija, 28; Sunni Sado, 30; Subairu Lawal, 28; Abi Lawal, 22; Sufianu Musa, 20; Yusuf Lawan, 18; Ahmed Lawal, 25; St. Peter Eze, 23; and Udo Richard, 32.
Gbadegesin said indiscriminate waste disposal remained detrimental to the environment and could undermine sanitation gains across the state.
He urged residents, traders and businesses to desist from dumping waste on roads, walkways, drains and other unauthorised locations.
According to him, waste should be properly bagged and handed over to accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, while businesses and property owners must take responsibility for waste generated within and around their premises.
The LAWMA boss said the enforcement exercise formed part of the Authority’s broader strategy to improve environmental cleanliness, tackle violations at source and promote responsible waste management behaviour.
He said the Authority would continue to monitor different parts of the state and take appropriate enforcement action against persons and businesses found violating environmental regulations.
Gbadegesin stressed that the exercise was not intended merely to apprehend offenders but to promote compliance and encourage a sustained change in public attitude towards waste management.
He urged residents, traders, businesses and property owners to comply with environmental regulations, use approved waste disposal channels and support the Authority’s efforts to keep public spaces clean, accessible and environmentally safe.
He also encouraged members of the public to report instances of illegal dumping and other waste management violations through LAWMA’s established channels.
Gbadegesin stressed that achieving a cleaner Lagos required the collective responsibility of government, residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
