LAWMA clears Alaba Rago setback, vows zero tolerance for environmental nuisance
Nike Popoola
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has described the clearance of illegal traders, squatters, and unauthorised structures from the Alaba Rago setback along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as a decisive step towards restoring environmental sanity and strengthening sanitation enforcement across the State.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin stated this at the weekend while commenting on the ongoing enforcement exercise along the Alaba Rago corridor.
According to a statement from the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mukaila Sanusi, today, he said that the operation became necessary following persistent indiscriminate waste disposal, obstruction of sanitation operations, and illegal occupation of the expressway setback by traders and squatters within the axis.
According to him, the exercise was aimed at restoring environmental order, improving sanitation standards, and protecting public infrastructure along one of the State’s major transport corridors.
Dr. Gbadegesin stressed that road setbacks were not designated for trading, habitation, or related activities, warning that continued encroachment on such public spaces would not be tolerated.
He further stated that the Lagos State Government would continue to enforce environmental regulations and prevent activities capable of undermining structured waste management operations and environmental sustainability across Lagos State.
The LAWMA boss urged traders and residents to utilise approved market spaces and designated waste disposal channels, adding that environmental responsibility and compliance remained critical to achieving a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Lagos.
The enforcement operation was carried out by LAWMA in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps(LAGESC), formerly known as
Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), and the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, following the expiration of a three-day removal notice earlier served on occupants of the affected corridor.
During the exercise, several carts operated by illegal waste handlers and cart pushers were seized as part of measures to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and strengthen structured waste management within the axis.
Dr. Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies to maintain environmental order and strengthen sanitation enforcement across Lagos State.
