Illegal Waste Disposal: LAWMA Steps Up Night Surveillance in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its night surveillance operations, cracking down on individuals who illegally dispose of waste under the cover of darkness.

Reaffirming its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, LAWMA has vowed to identify and prosecute offenders. The agency’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, revealed that its surveillance and enforcement teams now operate round the clock, leading to multiple arrests in recent days.

Recent Arrests and Crackdowns

On February 7, at approximately 9:20 p.m., LAWMA’s enforcement team apprehended an individual, Akinsola, caught illegally dumping waste at the road median along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road, near Micom Bus Stop. During questioning, he falsely claimed to be a police officer. Further investigation at his residence revealed a lack of a designated waste storage facility and no registration with an authorised Private Sector Participant (PSP) for waste collection. Akinsola admitted that his landlord instructed him to dump the waste illegally. He is now facing prosecution.

In another operation, LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team responded to a complaint at Abati Primary School, Shasha Road, uncovering widespread illegal dumping. The team arrested over 25 individuals, including six vehicle owners caught transporting and dumping large volumes of waste. All suspects are now being prosecuted.

Similarly, on February 5, at around 10:37 p.m., a woman identified as Fatima was caught dumping waste at a road median near Micom Bus Stop along Akowonjo Road. Investigations revealed her residence lacked a designated waste storage facility, and she was not registered with a PSP. She is also facing prosecution.

Public Sensitisation and Call to Action

Beyond enforcement, LAWMA is ramping up its public awareness campaigns. Gbadegesin highlighted that the agency’s advocacy team is conducting door-to-door education on proper waste disposal practices. He urged residents to report any dissatisfaction with waste collection services to LAWMA rather than resorting to illegal dumping.

He reiterated LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy for environmental violations and stressed the importance of community cooperation in maintaining a cleaner Lagos. Residents are encouraged to use the agency’s customer service channels to report waste collection issues, as indiscriminate dumping will no longer be tolerated.

“LAWMA remains committed to transforming Lagos into a cleaner, more sustainable city, ensuring that all offenders face justice,” Gbadegesin stated. “We urge residents to comply with waste management regulations and contribute to a cleaner metropolis for everyone.”