Juliet Oladele, Reporting
THE Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed premises identified for persistent illegal waste dumping along Ago Palace Way and arrested 11 persons for illegal waste disposal in various parts of Lagos Island.
The enforcement operations, carried out as part of renewed efforts to tackle indiscriminate dumping, underscored the Authority’s resolve to enforce existing waste management regulations and ensure compliance with approved disposal practices across the state.
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, explained that the Ago Palace Way operation covered plazas, hotels, lounges and warehouses along the corridor.
He said the exercise was aimed at tackling activities contributing to waste build-up and environmental nuisance on road setbacks, medians and other unauthorised public spaces.
The enforcement exercise on Lagos Island, covering Tinubu, Apongbon, Oke-Arin and CMC areas, led to the arrest of 11 persons for 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.
Dr Gbadegesin reaffirmed that indiscriminate waste disposal remained detrimental to the environment and could undermine sanitation gains across the state, urging residents, traders and businesses to desist from dumping waste on roads, walkways, drains and other unauthorised locations.
He stated that waste should be properly bagged and handed over to accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, adding that businesses and property owners must take responsibility for waste generated within and around their premises.
According to him, the enforcement exercise formed part of LAWMA’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.
The LAWMA boss reiterated 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, stressing that achieving a cleaner Lagos required the collective responsibility of government, residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
Source: LAWMA
