The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested 11 persons for illegal waste disposal on Lagos Island and sealed several premises along Ago Palace Way over persistent illegal dumping, as part of intensified enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations.
In a statement by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the operations underscored the authority’s resolve to enforce waste management rules and ensure compliance with approved disposal practices across the state.
The Ago Palace Way exercise targeted plazas, hotels, lounges and warehouses identified as contributing to waste accumulation and environmental nuisance on road setbacks, medians and other unauthorised public spaces.
A separate enforcement operation covering the Tinubu, Apongbon, Oke-Arin and CMC areas of Lagos Island led to the arrest of the 11 suspects for unauthorised handling and illegal disposal of waste. Those arrested were named 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.
Gbadegesin stressed that waste should be properly bagged and handed over only to accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators. He said businesses and property owners must take responsibility for waste generated within and around their premises.
“Indiscriminate waste disposal remains detrimental to the environment and could undermine sanitation gains across the State. Residents, traders and businesses are urged to desist from dumping waste on roads, walkways, drains and other unauthorised locations,” he warned.
The authority said the exercises formed part of broader efforts to curb activities that create waste blackspots and environmental hazards. LAWMA indicated it would continue monitoring different parts of Lagos and take enforcement action against individuals and businesses that violate regulations, while also promoting compliance and responsible waste management practices.
The operations come amid ongoing campaigns by the Lagos State Government to maintain a cleaner environment through surveillance, sealing of offending premises, arrests and prosecution of environmental offenders.
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