The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has issued a stern warning to property owners, agents, and private occupiers to cease illegal recycling and scavenging activities in unlicensed facilities within the state.
The authority has also called for an end to the indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing, and trading of recyclable waste in both private properties and public spaces.
LAWMA emphasized that anyone caught engaging in these illegal activities would face prosecution in accordance with the state’s Environmental Laws.
In a public notice addressing property owners, agents, and occupiers, LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the detrimental impact of such actions. He explained that illegal recycling not only harms the aesthetic appeal of the city but also infringes on property owners’ rights and poses significant environmental risks.
The notice stated: “LAWMA has observed a rise in the illegal sorting, dumping, and trading of recyclables at unauthorized locations. These actions are in violation of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and will not be tolerated. Any individual or entity involved in such activities will face enforcement measures and penalties as prescribed by law.”
The notice also referenced Section 85 and 86 of the law, which prohibits the deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated areas. LAWMA will take all necessary actions to enforce compliance, including prosecution and closure of offending facilities.
Gbadegesin warned, “We will not stand by while a few individuals undermine our efforts to create a cleaner, livable environment. Property owners who permit unauthorized recycling or scavenging activities risk losing their property rights and facing other legal consequences.”
He urged residents and stakeholders to use only licensed recycling facilities and registered waste collectors to ensure proper waste management. Gbadegesin further encouraged the public to report illegal activities through LAWMA’s official channels, emphasizing that the agency is committed to creating a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
“We need the cooperation of all residents to achieve a healthier environment. We urge everyone to comply with state waste management laws,” Gbadegesin said, stressing that property owners and businesses must take this final warning seriously to avoid serious legal repercussions.
LAGESC Evicts Illegal Occupants
In a related development, a joint enforcement team from LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has successfully evicted squatters and illegal recyclers from the Ijora-Olopa underbridge to sanitize the area.
Gbadegesin stated that the enforcement exercise would continue across the state as part of the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards waste-related offenses. “There will be no safe haven for those who contribute to environmental degradation or undermine LAWMA’s efforts,” he added.
LAWMA Increases Surveillance Efforts
LAWMA has also intensified its night surveillance operations to prevent illegal waste disposal under the cover of darkness. The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and holding violators accountable.
Gbadegesin shared details of recent arrests made by LAWMA’s surveillance and enforcement teams. For example, on February 7, 2025, at 9:20 p.m., an individual, Engineer Akinsola, was apprehended for dumping waste at the Egbeda-Akowonjo Road median. Despite falsely claiming to be a police officer, further investigation revealed that he had no registered waste disposal services and had been instructed by his landlord to illegally dispose of waste in the area. Akinsola is currently facing prosecution.
Another incident involved over 25 individuals apprehended for illegal dumping at Abati Primary School, Shasha Road. Among those arrested were six vehicle owners using their cars to transport large volumes of waste for disposal. All those arrested will be prosecuted.
Additionally, on February 5, 2025, at 10:37 p.m., a woman named Fatima was caught dumping waste at the road median near Micom Bus Stop along Akowonjo Road. She, too, was found to lack a waste storage facility and was not registered with a waste disposal service. Fatima will also face legal action.
Gbadegesin emphasized that LAWMA’s enforcement operations are ongoing, and the agency is expanding its public sensitization campaigns. The LAWMA advocacy team is conducting door-to-door outreach to educate residents on proper waste disposal practices.
He urged residents to report waste collection issues to LAWMA instead of resorting to illegal dumping, especially at night. “Loose waste found at illegal dumpsites indicates that many households do not have waste bins, which contributes to improper waste disposal. We are committed to resolving these issues with the cooperation of all stakeholders,” he concluded.
