In a sweeping enforcement drive, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has apprehended over 300 individuals for illegal waste disposal across the state, with many already prosecuted and sentenced, the agency announced on Monday.
EpeInsights learnt that the arrests, carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, (LAGESC), followed sustained day and night surveillance operations targeting indiscriminate dumping in various parts of the city.
LAWMA Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed that the intensified operations form part of a broader strategy to curb environmental infractions and enforce Lagos State’s sanitation laws.
“Our night surveillance and enforcement teams, working closely with LAGESC, have arrested more than 300 people for a range of waste-related offences. Many of them have been charged to court, with some sentenced to community service. These actions are intended to send a clear message — we will not tolerate environmental sabotage,” Gbadegesin said.
Among the highlighted arrests was that of Engr. Akinsola, apprehended on February 7 along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road at 9:20 p.m. for dumping waste at a road median.
Claiming to be a police officer, he was later found to be unregistered with any Private Sector Participant (PSP) and lacking a waste bin in his home. Legal proceedings have commenced.
Another significant operation took place along Shasha Road, where 25 people — including six car owners — were caught dumping waste near Abati Primary School. Likewise, a woman identified as Fatima was arrested at 10:37 p.m. on February 5 for dumping waste at Micom Bus Stop, also without PSP registration. She is currently being prosecuted.
Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized that these cases reflect the widespread nature of nighttime illegal dumping, often by individuals claiming ignorance or blaming landlords.
He cited Section 82(1) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which prohibits dumping in unauthorized areas like roadsides, drains, and canals. Offenders face fines starting at ₦25,000 and possible imprisonment under Section 109.
“LAWMA will continue to enforce the law to keep Lagos clean and safe. We are committed to protecting public health and the environment. This is a collective responsibility,” he added.
To support this effort, LAWMA is expanding community engagement initiatives such as door-to-door education, the Adopt-A-Bin programme, and the deployment of tricycle compactors for hard-to-reach neighborhoods. The Authority is also ramping up its recycling efforts to reduce dependence on dumpsites.
Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping and non-compliant landlords by calling 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or 617, or visiting www.lawma.gov.ng.
“We urge Lagosians to take ownership of their surroundings and help us prevent public health crises such as flooding and disease outbreaks,” Gbadegesin concluded. “This is the era of See Something, Say Something.”
