LAWMA secures jail terms for two illegal waste dumpers in Lagos
Lagos Waste Management Authority LAWMA
Nike Popoola
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has secured the conviction of two environmental offenders arrested for illegal waste dumping during an overnight sanitation surveillance operation in the Igando-Ikotun area of Lagos State.
A statement from the Director, Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, today said, the offenders, Kingsley Adieme and Rachel Onyekachi, were apprehended during the operation carried out by LAWMA’s Operation W.I.S.E Enforcement Team in collaboration with Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Environmental Monitoring Unit.
They were arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, where they pleaded guilty and were sentenced to three months imprisonment for indiscriminate waste disposal.
Commenting on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin described the conviction as a clear demonstration of government’s resolve to enforce environmental laws and strengthen compliance.
According to him: “This conviction underscores Lagos State’s zero tolerance for environmental violations as LAWMA will continue to strengthen enforcement while encouraging residents to play their part by using approved PSP operators”.
He advised residents to patronise only LAWMA-accredited Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators and avoid illegal waste handlers whose activities undermine approved waste management channels in the state.
He also urged residents to support enforcement efforts by reporting environmental infractions through LAWMA’s official channels, including the WhatsApp line 07080601020 and the Authority’s social media platforms for prompt response.
The Authority reiterated that enforcement operations would be sustained across the state as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental compliance and achieve a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.
