Waste agency targets businesses along Ago Palace Way and illegal waste handlers on Lagos Island as part of renewed enforcement drive.
By Bunmi Yekini
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed premises along Ago Palace Way for persistent illegal waste dumping and arrested 11 people for unauthorised waste disposal on Lagos Island, the agency said on Thursday.
The enforcement operations targeted plazas, hotels, lounges and warehouses along Ago Palace Way, where waste was allegedly being dumped on road setbacks, medians and other unauthorised public spaces, LAWMA said in a statement.
LAWMA Managing Director Muyiwa Gbadegesin said the operations were part of efforts to enforce waste management regulations and curb practices contributing to waste build-up and environmental nuisance across the state.
“We are not merely interested in apprehending offenders, but in promoting compliance and encouraging a sustained change in public attitude towards waste management,” Gbadegesin said.
On Lagos Island, enforcement officers carried out operations in Tinubu, Apongbon, Oke-Arin and CMC areas, resulting in the arrest of 11 people for unauthorised handling and illegal disposal of waste, the agency said.
The authority did not provide details of any charges or penalties against those arrested.
Gbadegesin urged residents, traders, businesses and property owners to stop dumping waste on roads, walkways, drains and other unauthorised locations.
He said waste should be properly bagged and handed over to accredited Private Sector Participation operators, while businesses and property owners should take responsibility for waste generated within and around their premises.
LAWMA said it would continue monitoring different parts of Lagos and take enforcement action against individuals and businesses found violating environmental regulations.
Gbadegesin also urged residents to report illegal dumping and other waste management violations through LAWMA’s established channels, saying maintaining cleaner public spaces required cooperation between government, residents and businesses.