Concerns as poor enforcement, low awareness fuel rising refuse burning in Lagos

• We strongly discourage practice, says LAWMA
• Restates dedication to cleaner, healthier Lagos
• LSFR calls for community-based advocacy

Lagos State faces a consistent risk of fire outbreaks due to the growing practice of burning refuse, The Guardian has learnt. Without robust enforcement and increased public awareness, the chance of fire outbreaks and environmental harm from refuse burning remains high.

Many residents have resorted to burning waste rather than bagging it for collection by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), a practice prohibited by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law.

The law bans open burning of any waste, including on private property or public spaces, without designated disposal sites. Violators face penalties enforced by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA). Despite the legislation, enforcement appears lax. Since a lone arrest in 2022 within the Eti-Osa Local Council, no further arrests have been reported.

The Guardian investigations revealed widespread ignorance of the law among Lagosians. A man found burning dry leaves claimed he was unaware it was illegal. Similarly, a hairdresser, caught burning refuse, explained, “I never knew it’s against the law. I set this on fire because LAWMA doesn’t collect dirt on time. But now that I know, I’ll adjust.”

Lack of public awareness and enforcement has compounded the problem. Local council environmental departments often neglect advocacy campaigns, while refuse burning continues unchecked around council offices. Residents who report incidents also complain of inadequate responses. For example, calls to Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), in 2024 regarding refuse burning went unanswered.

Speaking to The Guardian, LSFRS spokesperson Amodu Shakiru emphasised the dangers of refuse burning, saying, “It can lead to fire outbreaks and environmental degradation, contributing to ozone layer depletion. Burning refuse is punishable by law in Lagos State, and if it results in a fire outbreak, it becomes a criminal act.”

Shakiru added that communities should play an active role in addressing the issue. “There are resident associations, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and Community Development Committees (CDCs) that can handle such cases. Residents should report offenders to these groups or the local council’s environmental department.”

However, local councils insist they are making efforts. Deputy Press Secretary of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Damilola Kushimo, stated: “The environmental services department conducts periodic advocacy campaigns. The last one was in December 2024. The council chairman is committed to environmental sustainability as part of the state government’s THEMES+ agenda.”

LAWMA spokesperson Folashade Kadiri reiterated the agency’s dedication to maintaining a clean environment, dismissing claims of reduced waste collection. “Our collection schedules remain in place and run in shifts. We strongly discourage burning refuse, including garden waste, due to its health and environmental risks, such as air pollution and respiratory issues.”

Kadiri also advocated for sustainable waste management solutions like composting. “LAWMA promotes the two-bin system and encourages residents to bag cut grasses and garden waste properly. Dedicated trucks are available for evacuation, and residents should engage assigned PSP operators for collection.”

She added that LAWMA is currently deploying trucks to strategic areas such as Ikeja GRA, Ogudu GRA, and Apapa GRA to tackle indiscriminate disposal and burning of garden waste. “Our renewed focus on integrative solid waste management aims to reduce landfill dependency and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Kadiri urged Lagosians to use LAWMA’s toll-free line for proper waste evacuation. “We are dedicated to ensuring a cleaner, healthier Lagos and call on all residents to partner with us in achieving this goal.”