The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says it has ramped up its night surveillance operations to fish out persons involved in illegal waste dumping.
The authority said that it was leaving no hiding place for persons hiding under the cover of darkness, to dispose of their waste at illegal locations.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Director, Public Affairs, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Lagos.
The statement said that the agency also reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, ensuring that offenders were identified and prosecuted accordingly.
The statement quoted the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, as saying that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement teams were operating round the clock to track and apprehend individuals who defy waste management regulations.
Gbadegesin noted that the heightened night monitoring was yielding results, adding that multiple arrests had been made in recent days.
“On Feb. 7, 2025, at approximately 9:20 p.m., LAWMA’s enforcement team caught an individual, unlawfully dumping refuse at the road median along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road, near Micom Bus Stop.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect falsely claimed to be a police officer.
“Further investigation at his residence confirmed the absence of a designated waste storage facility and no record of registration with an authorised Private Sector Participant (PSP) for waste disposal.
“Akinsola admitted that his landlord had instructed him to dispose of the waste at the road median. He is being prosecuted accordingly,” Gbadegesin said.
Citing another incident, Gbadegesin said that LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team, responded to a complaint about illegal dumping at Abati Primary School, Shasha Road.
He said that upon arrival, the team discovered extensive waste disposal infractions and apprehended over 25 individuals.
“Among those arrested were six vehicle owners who had used their cars to transport and dispose of large volumes of waste.
”All arrested environmental violators will be prosecuted,” he said.
Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA was not only intensifying enforcement but also expanding its public sensitisation efforts.
He said that the agency’s advocacy team was conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns, educating residents on proper waste disposal practices.
He urged residents to report challenges or dissatisfaction with waste collection services to LAWMA instead of resorting to illegal dumping, particularly at night.
He added that loose waste at illegal dumpsites indicates that many households around the area do not own waste bins.
Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy towards environmental infractions and emphasised that every Lagos resident had a role to play in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
He encouraged residents to make use of the agency’s dedicated customer service channels, to report any issues with waste collection, stressing that indiscriminate dumping would no longer be tolerated.
“LAWMA remains steadfast in its mission to transform Lagos into a cleaner and more sustainable city, ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice.
“We want to urge all residents to comply with waste management regulations and contribute to a cleaner metropolis for all.”
By Fabian Ekeruche