LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, acknowledged the waste challenges in some parts of Lagos but reaffirmed the Authority’s determination to put an end to reckless disposal habits.
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He explained that Lagos’ coastal nature makes enforcement critical.
“A bag of refuse thrown into a gutter doesn’t disappear,” he said. “It blocks drainage channels, worsens flooding, contaminates water sources, and pushes plastics and debris into our canals and lagoon. Illegal dumping has consequences far beyond the moment someone drops the waste.”
Dr. Gbadegesin revealed that LAWMA has moved from occasional crackdowns to a continuous, intelligence-driven approach that combines surveillance, community reports, and quick prosecution.
He added that the Authority has launched extensive enforcement operations across the state, arresting and prosecuting offenders to discourage illegal dumping.
“Enforcement is essential,” he emphasized. “Lagos cannot be clean or flood-resilient if illegal dumping goes unpunished. We are taking firm action to ensure environmental violations have no place in this city.”
He assured residents that LAWMA will keep working closely with PSP operators, providing support especially in areas requiring urgent intervention, and noted that the state government is committed to helping PSP operators upgrade for better service delivery.
In a recent operation, LAWMA cleared a heavily polluted black spot in Somolu Local Council Development Area. The site, known for persistent illegal dumping, has now been fully evacuated. LAWMA worked with Somolu LCDA, Bariga LCDA, and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to secure the area and begin night and early-morning patrols.
“Several offenders have already been arrested, especially commercial tricycle operators caught dumping waste illegally,” Dr. Gbadegesin said. “This is proof that advocacy and enforcement must go hand in hand, supported by real-time surveillance.”
The Chairmen of Somolu and Bariga LCDAs have pledged ongoing support, promising stronger advocacy and strict enforcement in line with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources’ directive for LGAs and LCDAs to take full responsibility for waste management in their areas.
To increase public awareness, LAWMA has intensified its radio programs and social media campaigns, educating residents on recycling, proper waste disposal, the role of PSP operators, and penalties for environmental offences.
Dr. Gbadegesin stressed that environmental protection is not solely a government responsibility. He encouraged residents to own covered waste bins, avoid illegal dumping and cart pushers, and consistently patronize their assigned PSP operators.
He also noted that LAWMA will continue working with traditional rulers, market leaders, resident associations, and other stakeholders to curb environmental abuse, urging the public to report suspicious waste-related activities.
“While enforcement is our duty, voluntary compliance is what truly shapes the future,” he said. “Everyone must embrace proper waste disposal practices, because a polluted environment affects us all. Keeping Lagos clean is a shared responsibility.”
For waste management complaints or reports, residents can contact LAWMA via the toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
