The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has stepped up enforcement operations across the state, targeting indiscriminate waste disposal, black spots, and persistent environmental infractions that pose threats to public health and urban resilience.

Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed the heightened operations while acknowledging the waste management challenges recorded in some parts of the state. He emphasised the Authority’s unwavering commitment to curbing reckless disposal habits.

According to him, Lagos’ coastal geography makes strict enforcement imperative to prevent environmental hazards.

“A bag of refuse tossed into a drain anywhere in the metropolis does not disappear. It blocks culverts, worsens flooding, exposes households to contaminated water, and sends plastics and debris into our canals and lagoon systems. Illegal dumping has consequences far beyond the act itself,” he said.

Dr. Gbadegesin disclosed that LAWMA has transitioned from periodic crackdowns to a steady, intelligence-driven enforcement model that integrates surveillance, community reporting, and swift prosecution of offenders.

He added that the Authority has intensified statewide enforcement campaigns to eliminate indiscriminate dumping, arresting and prosecuting offenders to serve as a deterrent.

“Enforcement is central to our mission. Lagos cannot achieve a clean, flood-resilient city without consequences for illegal dumping and non-compliance. We are acting decisively to ensure there’s no room for environmental infractions,” he stated.

The LAWMA chief further assured that the agency is strengthening collaboration with PSP operators and providing backup services, especially in areas requiring urgent intervention. He noted that the state government is working to support PSP operators to recapitalise for improved service delivery.

In a related development, LAWMA announced the successful evacuation of waste and enforcement activities at a notorious black spot in Somolu Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Dr. Gbadegesin explained that the site, long known as an illegal dumping hub, has now been cleared. LAWMA partnered with Somolu LCDA, Bariga LCDA, and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to secure the area, introducing night and early-morning patrols.

He revealed that several offenders including commercial tricycle operators were arrested during the operation.

“This shows that advocacy and enforcement must be continuous and backed by real-time surveillance,” he added.

The Chairmen of Somolu and Bariga LCDAs pledged sustained collaboration with LAWMA, promising continuous advocacy and strict enforcement in line with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources’ directive for local councils to take ownership of waste management in their domains.

To deepen public awareness, LAWMA has increased its radio programmes and social media campaigns, educating residents on recycling, proper waste disposal practices, the role of PSP operators, and penalties for environmental offences.

Dr. Gbadegesin stressed that environmental protection cannot rest solely on the government, urging residents to support waste management efforts by using covered waste bins, avoiding cart pushers, and patronising their assigned PSP operators.

He added that the Authority would continue engaging traditional rulers, market leaders, resident associations, and other stakeholders to curb environmental abuse, while encouraging residents to report suspicious waste movements.

“While enforcement is our duty, voluntary compliance is what will secure the future. Lagosians must embrace responsible waste disposal because a polluted environment eventually harms everyone. Cleanliness is a shared responsibility,” he said.