LAWMA intensifies night surveillance to curb illegal waste disposal

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has heightened its night surveillance operations, leaving no room for individuals who dispose of waste at illegal locations under the cover of darkness.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, ensuring that offenders are identified and prosecuted.Speaking on the renewed measures, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement teams now operate round the clock to track and apprehend those who flout waste management regulations. He noted that the intensified night monitoring was yielding results, with several arrests made in recent days.

Highlighting a recent case, Gbadegesin said: “On February 7, at about 9:20 p.m., LAWMA’s enforcement team apprehended an individual, Akinsola, unlawfully dumping refuse at the road median along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road, near Micom Bus Stop. During interrogation, the suspect falsely claimed to be a police officer. Further investigation at his residence revealed the absence of a designated waste storage facility and no registration with an authorised Private Sector Participant (PSP) for waste disposal.

“Akinsola admitted that his landlord instructed him to dispose of the waste at the road median. He is currently being prosecuted.”Gbadegesin also recounted another incident involving LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team.

The team responded to a complaint about illegal dumping at Abati Primary School, Shasha Road. Upon arrival, they discovered extensive waste infractions and arrested over 25 individuals, including six vehicle owners who had transported and dumped large volumes of waste. All those apprehended are being prosecuted.

In yet another case, on February 5 at about 10:37 p.m., a woman identified as Fatima was caught dumping waste at the road median near Micom Bus Stop along Akowonjo Road. Investigations revealed that her residence lacked a designated waste storage facility, and she was not registered with a PSP for waste collection services. Fatima is also being prosecuted.

Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA was not only ramping up enforcement efforts but also expanding its public sensitisation initiatives. He revealed that the agency’s advocacy team was conducting door-to-door campaigns to educate residents on proper waste disposal practices.

He urged residents to report any dissatisfaction with waste collection services to LAWMA rather than resorting to illegal dumping. He observed that loose waste at illegal dumpsites often indicates a lack of waste bins in surrounding households.

Reiterating LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy towards environmental infractions, Gbadegesin emphasised the role of Lagos residents in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment. He encouraged the public to utilise the agency’s dedicated customer service channels to report issues with waste collection and warned that indiscriminate dumping would no longer be tolerated.

“LAWMA remains steadfast in its mission to transform Lagos into a cleaner and more sustainable city, ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice,” he said. “We urge all residents to comply with waste management regulations and contribute to a cleaner metropolis for everyone.”