The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced plans to arrest and prosecute residents who buy goods from traders operating illegally on roads, medians, walkways, setbacks and other unauthorised public spaces across the state.
The enforcement is expected to commence next week in line with Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
Gbadegesin said the measure was part of a renewed enforcement strategy aimed at tackling illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and obstruction of public infrastructure.
According to him, enforcement will no longer target only illegal traders, as customers who patronise them will also be held accountable under the law.
“The Law does not only prohibit illegal street trading. It also makes it an offence to buy goods exposed or offered for sale in prohibited places.
“From next week, anyone found buying from traders operating on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks or other unauthorised spaces will be arrested, alongside the traders, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
He added that anyone convicted of the offence could face a fine of N90,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The LAWMA boss explained that illegal roadside and median markets often generate large volumes of waste, which are subsequently dumped into drainage channels, roads and other public spaces.
He said such practices contribute to blocked drains, worsening traffic conditions and public health risks.
Gbadegesin said the Authority’s objective was to break the cycle that enables illegal trading and indiscriminate dumping to resume after enforcement operations.
“Traders occupy public spaces because people continue to patronise them. Buyers must understand that their actions sustain the problem and that they are also accountable under the law,” he said.
He disclosed that LAWMA was also strengthening waste collection services in inner streets and communities around areas previously cleared of illegal dumping.
According to him, identified service gaps will be addressed, while deliberate dumping, redumping and patronage of illegal markets will continue to attract sanctions.
Gbadegesin urged residents and businesses to patronise recognised markets and use approved waste collection channels.
He stressed that convenience should not come at the expense of public health, environmental sanitation, road safety and the orderly use of Lagos’ shared spaces.
The LAWMA chief executive reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to sustained enforcement, stakeholder engagement and improved waste collection services as part of efforts to eliminate open dumping and achieve a cleaner Lagos.
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