The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has ramped up enforcement efforts across the state, shutting down Ile Iyan, a business located on Herbert Macaulay Way in Sabo, Yaba, for violating waste disposal regulations. Investigations revealed that the business had been dumping waste illegally near Aje Comprehensive High School, prompting LAWMA to seal its premises. Despite claims of being registered with the agency, the facility could not provide any documentation to verify its compliance.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA’s Managing Director and CEO, stated that the decision to close the business was necessary to ensure adherence to waste management rules. He emphasized that compliance with these regulations is essential for all businesses operating in Lagos, as they play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Gbadegesin warned that any establishment found violating these laws would face severe consequences, including closure.
LAWMA’s crackdown also targeted illegal cart pushers in neighborhoods like Ejigbo, Isolo, and Somolu. These operators were described as a significant challenge to maintaining a clean environment, as they indiscriminately dump waste in unauthorized locations, posing serious health risks to residents. Dr. Gbadegesin urged Lagosians to stop engaging with these unapproved waste collectors, emphasizing the importance of using authorized Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for proper waste management.
The LAWMA chief highlighted the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which prohibits improper waste disposal. Offenders, he noted, face fines starting from ₦25,000 or even jail time, as stipulated under the law. These measures are intended to protect public health and preserve the environment.
LAWMA has partnered with other agencies, including the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), to apprehend and prosecute violators. Gbadegesin assured that enforcement efforts would continue, with a focus on ensuring compliance and upholding environmental standards across Lagos.
He called on residents to take collective responsibility for proper waste disposal, noting that reckless practices contribute to avoidable issues like flooding and disease outbreaks such as cholera. He encouraged anyone with waste-related concerns to contact LAWMA through its toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
The statement, issued by Mrs. Kadiri Folashade, Director of Public Affairs, on November 20, 2024, reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier Lagos for all.
