The Lagos State Government has announced strict penalties for illegal waste disposal, warning that anyone caught dumping refuse indiscriminately or littering public spaces will face a fine of ₦250,000 or up to three months in prison.
The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, cautioning that serial offenders will face even tougher sanctions.
Wahab delivered what he called a final warning to residents who disregard environmental laws, saying there will be no room for excuses going forward.
“We won’t drop the ball. Enforcement and public sensitisation will continue to be intensified,” he said.
The statement was detailed in a release signed by Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Ban on cart pushers, building site crackdown
Wahab reiterated that the ban on cart pushers remains in effect, as many of them are responsible for indiscriminate dumping across the state. He urged residents to patronize only registered Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators.
He also warned developers against blocking roads or drains with construction materials, stating that such actions will lead to site closures and prosecutions.
“We have already prosecuted over 3,000 offenders, but this is just the beginning,” Wahab noted.
Enforcement teams from LAWMA, KAI, and other agencies are now operating around the clock to arrest, prosecute, name, and shame those who violate environmental laws.
Targeting open defecation, plastic pollution
The commissioner also raised alarm over growing illegal activity on pedestrian bridges, where squatting, petty crime, and open defecation have discouraged proper use and endangered lives.
“They dissuade pedestrians from using the bridges, putting lives at risk,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wahab emphasized the government’s readiness to enforce the ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam from July 1, following an 18-month moratorium given to producers and vendors.
“There is no going back. The ban will be enforced,” Wahab affirmed, tying the action to this year’s World Environment Day theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution.”
Call for civic responsibility during Eid festivities
As the Eid-el-Kabir celebration approaches, Wahab urged Lagosians to manage waste from animal slaughter and festivities responsibly.
“All waste should be sorted, bagged, and handed over to the designated PSP operators across every ward,” he said.
In closing, the commissioner called for shared responsibility in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
“The government has done its part. Now, residents must do theirs,” he concluded.
