The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has defended the ongoing removal of illegal traders, squatters, and unauthorised structures from the Alaba Rago setback along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, describing the exercise as a necessary step toward restoring environmental sanity and improving sanitation enforcement across the state.
Speaking at the weekend, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the operation became imperative due to persistent indiscriminate waste disposal, obstruction of sanitation activities, and illegal occupation of the expressway setback by traders and squatters.
According to him, the enforcement drive is aimed at restoring environmental order, improving sanitation standards, and protecting public infrastructure along one of Lagos State’s major transport corridors.
Gbadegesin stressed that road setbacks were not designated for trading, habitation, or related activities, warning that continued encroachment on public spaces would not be tolerated by the state government.
He added that the Lagos State Government remained committed to enforcing environmental regulations and preventing activities capable of undermining structured waste management operations and environmental sustainability across the state.
The LAWMA boss also urged traders and residents to make use of approved market spaces and designated waste disposal channels, noting that environmental responsibility and compliance were essential to achieving a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos.
The enforcement exercise was jointly carried out by LAWMA, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), formerly known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), and the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
The operation followed the expiration of a three-day removal notice earlier served on occupants of the affected corridor.
During the exercise, officials seized several carts operated by illegal waste handlers and cart pushers as part of efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and strengthen structured waste management within the axis.
Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies to maintain environmental order and strengthen sanitation enforcement across Lagos State.
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