Waste offences: LAWMA arrests 14, impounds carts across Lagos

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority has arrested 14 people over alleged waste-related offences and seized scores of carts suspected to have been used for unauthorised waste collection across the state.

The arrests were made during an enforcement operation on Lagos Island, while the carts were seized along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, according to the agency.

The Lagos Island operation covered Idumota, Oke-Popo, Tom Jones and Tinubu, where the suspects were arrested over alleged violations, including dumping waste into the lagoon.

The suspects are Buhari Danbaba, Ayo Akindele, Shamsudeen Lawal, Ibrahim Isiaka, Azeez Alatilehin, Quadri Adisa, Ogunbado Sobur, Salimonu Oluwadamilare, Odunayo Arinola, Azeez Roqeeb, Sherifdeen Mudashiru, Nurudeen Saliu, Zazilo Bello and Augustine Eje.

In a separate operation, LAWMA officials moved along the Mile 2-Okokomaiko stretch of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and confiscated scores of carts allegedly being used for unauthorised waste collection.

The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the enforcement was aimed at curbing practices that undermine the state’s regulated waste management system.

He warned that waste collected by unauthorised operators could end up being dumped at illegal locations, worsening environmental problems.

Gbadegesin also cautioned residents against disposing of refuse on roads, in drains and waterways, saying such practices could undermine efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment.

He urged residents, traders and businesses to use accredited waste collection operators and report cases of illegal dumping or unauthorised waste collection to the appropriate authorities.

The LAWMA chief said anyone caught violating waste disposal regulations or engaging in unauthorised waste collection would face enforcement action under applicable laws.