LAWMA intensifies night surveillance to curb indiscriminate waste dumping
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has ramped up its night surveillance operations, leaving no hiding place for those using the cover of darkness to dispose of waste at illegal locations.
Speaking on the renewed offensive, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement teams were operating round the clock to track and apprehend individuals who defy waste management regulations. He stated that the heightened night monitoring was yielding results, with multiple arrests made in recent days.
Commenting further, he cited recent arrests: “On 7 February 2025, at approximately 9:20 p.m., LAWMA’s enforcement team caught an individual, Engineer Akinsola, unlawfully dumping refuse at the road median along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road, near Micom Bus Stop. Upon interrogation, the suspect falsely claimed to be a police officer.
“Further investigation at his residence confirmed the absence of a designated waste storage facility and no record of registration with an authorised Private Sector Participant (PSP) for waste disposal. Akinsola admitted that his landlord had instructed him to dispose of the waste at the road median. He is being prosecuted accordingly.”
He continued: “Also, in another incident, LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team responded to a complaint about illegal dumping at Abati Primary School, Shasha Road. Upon arrival, the team discovered extensive waste disposal infractions and apprehended over 25 individuals. Among those arrested were six vehicle owners who had used their cars to transport and dispose of large volumes of waste. All arrested environmental violators will be prosecuted.”
The LAWMA boss cited yet another case: “On 5 February 2025, at approximately 10:37 p.m., an individual 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. She, too, will be prosecuted for flouting environmental laws.”
Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA was not only intensifying enforcement but also expanding its public sensitisation efforts. The agency’s advocacy team is conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns to educate residents on proper waste disposal practices.
He urged residents to report challenges or dissatisfaction with waste collection services to LAWMA rather than resorting to illegal dumping, particularly at night. He pointed out that loose waste at illegal dumpsites indicates that many households in the area do not own waste bins.
Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy toward environmental infractions and emphasised that every Lagos resident had a role to play in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.
He encouraged residents to use the agency’s dedicated customer service channels to report any issues with waste collection, stressing that indiscriminate dumping would no longer be tolerated.
He said: “LAWMA remains steadfast in its mission to transform Lagos into a cleaner and more sustainable city, ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice. We urge all residents to comply with waste management regulations and contribute to a cleaner metropolis for all.”
The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring that offenders are identified and prosecuted.
