The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has secured the conviction of 16 persons for environmental offences in Lagos.
The Oshodi Special Offences and Mobile Court, on sentenced each offender to four months’ imprisonment for illegal waste disposal, non-use of PSP services, and violation of sanitation laws.
The convicts were arrested at Gbagada Expressway, Anthony Oke, Oworonsoki and Bariga for dumping waste on medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised locations.
The Authority said the action underscores its resolve to enforce environmental laws and sustain a cleaner Lagos.
In a statement, Mukaila Sanusi, Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, said the convictions form part of the Authority’s sustained enforcement drive aimed at eliminating indiscriminate waste disposal, strengthening compliance with environmental laws and promoting a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.
Speaking on the convictions, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the judgment as a strong demonstration of the Lagos State Government’s resolve to enforce environmental laws and safeguard public health.
He said: “The era of indiscriminate waste disposal without consequences is over. These convictions send a clear message that environmental laws will be enforced without fear or favour. We will continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement across the State to ensure compliance with approved waste management practices.”
The LAWMA boss noted that while the Authority remained committed to improving waste management infrastructure and service delivery, residents and businesses also had a legal obligation to register with the assigned Private Sector Participant (PSPs) and dispose of waste through approved channels.
He added: “Effective waste management is a shared responsibility. Government will continue to strengthen waste management infrastructure, improve service delivery and enforce environmental laws, but residents and businesses must also play their part by patronising their assigned PSP operators, complying with environmental regulations and refraining from indiscriminate waste disposal.”
Dr. Gbadegesin disclosed that LAWMA would continue to intensify surveillance, monitoring and enforcement operations across Lagos in collaboration with relevant security and environmental agencies to deter environmental violations and sustain ongoing efforts to keep the State clean.
He implored residents to support the State Government’s environmental sustainability agenda by complying with approved waste management practices and reporting cases of illegal waste disposal and other environmental infractions through LAWMA’s official communication channels.
