Ayodele Olalere
The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has intensified its night surveillance operations in order to arrest anyone found disposing of waste at illegal locations.
According to the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the night operation is to ensure that offenders are identified and prosecuted accordingly.
Gbadegesin said that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement teams operate round the clock to track and apprehend individuals who defy waste management regulations, adding that the h night monitoring is yielding results, as multiple arrests have been made in recent days.
“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,” Gbadegesin said.
He added: “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 said the agency has embarked on public sensitisation efforts by 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.
