The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested 11 persons and sealed several premises as part of a fresh enforcement drive against illegal waste disposal across the state.
The enforcement operation, which covered Tinubu, Apongbon, Oke-Arin and CMC areas of Lagos Island, targeted individuals allegedly involved in unauthorised handling and disposal of waste.
Those arrested were identified as 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.
The authority also sealed several plazas, hotels, lounges and warehouses along Ago Palace Way over alleged indiscriminate dumping of waste on road setbacks, medians and other unauthorised public spaces.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the operations were aimed at tackling violations at their source and strengthening compliance with environmental regulations.
Gbadegesin warned residents, traders and business owners against dumping refuse on roads, walkways, drains and other unauthorised locations, stressing that indiscriminate waste disposal could undermine sanitation efforts in the state.
He urged residents and businesses to properly bag their waste and hand it over to accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, adding that property owners and businesses should take responsibility for waste generated within and around their premises.
According to him, the enforcement exercise is part of LAWMA’s broader strategy to improve environmental cleanliness and promote lasting behavioural change among residents.
He added that the authority would continue to monitor different parts of Lagos and take appropriate action against individuals and businesses found violating waste management regulations.
Gbadegesin urged residents to support the campaign by using approved waste disposal channels and reporting cases of illegal dumping through LAWMA’s official channels.
He said maintaining a cleaner Lagos required the collective responsibility of residents, businesses and relevant stakeholders.
