• Intensifies clampdown on illegal dumping, waste collection

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its enforcement operations across Lagos, arresting 14 persons for alleged waste-related offences on Lagos Island and seizing scores of carts allegedly used for unauthorised waste collection along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said at the weekend that the operations demonstrated the authority’s resolve to strengthen compliance with waste management regulations and curb activities capable of undermining the state’s organised waste management system.

He said the Lagos Island operation covered Idumota, Oke-Popo, Tom Jones and Tinubu, where 14 persons were arrested for various alleged waste-related offences, including dumping waste into the lagoon.

The suspects were identified as Buhari Danbaba, 35; Ayo Akindele, 25; Shamsudeen Lawal, 25; Ibrahim Isiaka, 20; Azeez Alatilehin, 20; Quadri Adisa, 23; Ogunbado Sobur, 20; Salimonu Oluwadamilare, 29; Odunayo Arinola, 35; Azeez Roqeeb, 24; Sherifdeen Mudashiru, 31; Nurudeen Saliu, 19; Zazilo Bello, 21; and Augustine Eje, 35.

Gbadegesin added that LAWMA had also intensified enforcement against illegal waste collection along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, with operatives conducting an operation from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko and seizing scores of carts allegedly used for unauthorised waste collection.

He said unregulated waste collection and transportation could undermine the organised waste management system, particularly when waste collected was subsequently dumped at unauthorised locations.

The LAWMA boss also warned against dumping waste into waterways, saying such practices could undermine the state’s environmental sustainability efforts.

Gbadegesin urged residents, traders and businesses to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and patronise accredited waste collection operators, stressing that waste should be handed over through approved channels.

He warned that anyone found dumping waste on roads, drains, waterways and other unauthorised locations, or engaging in unauthorised waste collection, would face appropriate enforcement action in accordance with applicable laws.

He also urged residents to support LAWMA’s enforcement and waste management operations by adopting proper waste disposal practices and reporting cases of illegal dumping and unauthorised waste collection through the authority’s established channels.