26 individuals convicted for illegal waste disposal in Lagos

A Magistrate Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State, has handed down convictions to 26 individuals who were found guilty of indiscriminately disposing of waste in various locations across the state. The Environmental Special Offences Court of Lagos State District, presided over by Magistrate Mcdavies Amore, imposed a fine of ₦30,000 on each offender or offered the option of community service.

These environmental offenders were apprehended by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) enforcement team in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC). They were found disposing of waste in unauthorized locations between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, emphasized the intensified joint enforcement action in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s zero-tolerance policy. He stated, “The era of recklessness and disdain for the environment is over. Anyone caught under whatever guise will be made to face the wrath of the law. The exercise is a continuous one.”

Gbadegesin urged residents to support efforts to maintain a clean environment by avoiding reckless waste disposal, having waste receptacles at home, and patronizing accredited Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators. He emphasized that there would be no refuge for those who defy the rules.