The Lagos State Government, through the State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has warned property owners, agents and private occupiers to stop illegal recycling and scavenging in unlicensed facilities in the State.
It also urged them to halt indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing and trading of recyclable waste in their facilities and public spaces around them.
LAWMA, therefore, warned that the offender(s) would henceforth be prosecuted according to the state Environmental Laws.
Commenting on a public notice issued by LAWMA to property owners, agents and private occupiers to that effect, the agency’s Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that such activities not only degrade the city’s aesthetic appeal but also disrupt property owners’ rights, contributing to serious environmental hazards.
The final public notice reads: “LAWMA has observed a rising trend of indiscriminate waste sorting, dumping, and trading of recyclables in unauthorized locations.
“These activities violate the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 and will not be tolerated.
“Any individual or entity engaging in illegal recycling or scavenging will face strict enforcement measures and penalties as prescribed by law.”
It further cited part III, Section 85 and 86 of the Law, which strictly prohibits the deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated locations. LAWMA would take all necessary steps to enforce compliance, including prosecuting violators and shutting down offending facilities.
Gbadegesin vowed, “We cannot fold our hands and watch few people derail the ongoing efforts to make the environment cleaner and livable for all residents.
I want to also add that property owner who permit unauthorized recycling or scavenging activities on their premises risk revocation of property right and other legal consequences.”
Therefore, he urged residents and stakeholders to use only licensed recycling facilities and registered waste collectors to ensure proper waste management in Lagos, encouraging the populace to report illegal activities through LAWMA’s official channels.
“We remain committed to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos, but we need the cooperation of all residents.
“We urge everyone to comply with state waste management laws and contribute to a healthier environment,” Gbadegesin stressed.
He advised property owners, businesses and the public to take the final warning seriously and avoid actions that could lead to serious legal repercussions.
LAGESC dislodges illegal occupants
In a related development, a joint enforcement team comprising officials of LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has dislodged squatters and illegal recyclers at the Ijora—Olopa underbridge to sanitise the area’s environment.
Gbadegesin said the enforcement exercise would continue in other areas of the state in accordance with the zero-tolerance for waste policy.
“There would be no hiding place for any individual or group of persons bent on causing environmental degradation and undermining efforts of LAWMA.
LAWMA intensifies surveillance operations
Meanwhile, LAWMA has ramped up its night surveillance operations, leaving no place for persons to hide under the cover of darkness to dispose of their waste at illegal locations.
It reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, ensuring offenders are identified and prosecuted accordingly.
Speaking on the renewed clampdown, Gbadegesin noted that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement teams were operating round the clock to track and apprehend individuals who defy waste management regulations, noting that the heightened night monitoring was yielding results, as multiple arrests had been made in recent days.
He cited instances of recent arrests: “On February 7, 2025, at approximately 9:20 p.m, LAWMA’s enforcement team caught an individual, Engineer Akinsola, 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.
“Also in another incident, LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team, responded to a complaint about illegal dumping at Abati Primary School, Shasha Road.
“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
The LAWMA boss cited yet another incident: “On February 5 2025, at approximately 10:37 p.m., an individual identified as Fatima was caught dumping waste at the road median near Micom Bus Stop along Akowonjo Road.
Investigations revealed that her residence lacked a designated waste storage facility, and she was not registered with a PSP for waste collection services.
She, too, will be prosecuted for flouting environmental laws.”
Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA was not only intensifying enforcement but also expanding its public sensitisation efforts, as 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, as loose waste at illegal dumpsites indicates that many households around the area do not own waste bins.
Vanguard News
