The Lagos State Government has declared a renewed crackdown on indiscriminate waste disposal across the state, announcing that individuals found dumping refuse illegally or littering public spaces risk a fine of ₦250,000 or imprisonment for up to three months.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this at a media briefing on Tuesday, where he warned that serial offenders would face even stiffer sanctions under the state’s strengthened environmental enforcement regime.
Wahab, who was quoted in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Kunle Adeshina, noted that the era of treating environmental laws as optional is over, stressing that the government will no longer tolerate what he described as a blatant disregard for public hygiene and environmental safety.
The commissioner, speaking passionately during the briefing, emphasised that the state would intensify both enforcement and public sensitisation to curb what he called the ‘unruly culture’ of indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly in public spaces, drainage channels, and road medians.
He noted that enforcement agencies such as the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the Kick Against Indiscipline brigade would be working around the clock to apprehend and prosecute defaulters.
“There is no excuse for dumping refuse indiscriminately,” Wahab said firmly, reiterating that the state’s commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment is unwavering.
“We won’t drop the ball. Enforcement teams are now under strict instructions to arrest, prosecute, name, and shame those who violate our environmental laws.”
The commissioner further clarified that the ban on the use of cart pushers, popularly known as ‘baba kekere’, remains in place.
He accused the informal waste handlers of being major culprits in indiscriminate waste dumping, urging residents to desist from patronising them and to instead engage only with registered private sector participation operators licensed by the state.
The commissioner also expressed concern over the activities of property developers who, he said, routinely dump building materials on roads and drainage systems.
He revealed that such construction sites would be sealed off, with the owners facing prosecution under existing environmental laws.
According to Wahab, more than 3,000 environmental offenders have already been prosecuted by the state in recent times, maintaining that this was only a fraction of what was to come.
He highlighted the particular menace posed by squatters occupying pedestrian bridges, where activities such as open defecation and petty theft have turned these crucial walkways into dangerous zones for law-abiding residents.
Wahab warned that the state would no longer tolerate such misuse of public infrastructure, as it discourages pedestrian use and endangers lives.
In line with the global focus on environmental sustainability, the commissioner also announced that Lagos would begin enforcing the ban on single-use plastics, including Styrofoam food containers, from July 1.
This move follows an 18-month moratorium granted to manufacturers, distributors, and end users to phase out the materials.
He stressed that Lagos cannot continue to grapple with the devastating impact of plastic waste on its waterways, drainage systems, and urban landscape.
He called on residents, commercial operators, and corporate organisations to embrace reusable alternatives and adopt more sustainable consumption habits.
“There is no going back.
“After an 18-month moratorium to producers, distributors and users… the ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam food packs will be enforced,” Wahab declared.
As Muslims in the state prepare for the Ed-el-Kabir festivities, Wahab appealed to residents to manage animal slaughter and food waste responsibly.
He urged that all waste be sorted, properly bagged, and handed over to designated PSP operators across the various wards in the state.
The commissioner called for collective action, noting that while the government has put mechanisms in place to ensure environmental compliance, success ultimately hinges on the commitment of the people.
