The Lagos State Government has said that anyone caught dumping waste illegally or littering the environment will face a fine of up to ₦250,000 or three months in jail.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning on Tuesday during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
He said, “Lagos, as the commercial nerve centre of the nation, has become a victim of its own prosperity. From now on, we are reading the riot act to all residents of the state who brazenly defy and disobey our laws. Henceforth, there would be zero tolerance for all forms of environmental infractions.”
Wahab explained that during the Sallah celebration, a large amount of waste would be generated from the slaughtering of rams and other animals. He urged residents to maintain a clean and hygienic environment, especially around homes, markets, and places of worship.
He said, “All generated wastes should be sorted, bagged and handed over to the approved PSP operators across all the wards in the State. Every household and business must patronize their assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) Operator for proper waste collection. Do not patronize illegal waste collectors or cart pushers. That is what the provisions of the law states.”
Wahab also warned that people must pay their waste bills on time to support the system. “Timely payment of your waste bill supports the system and ensures consistent service. The polluter pays principle applies — those who generate waste must take responsibility for its proper disposal,” he said.
He added that illegal dumping in drains and public places causes flooding, spreads diseases, and damages the city’s appearance. He said, “Desist from dumping building materials on the drains or on the roads during construction. All such contravening structures will be sealed up and the owners will be prosecuted.”
He also spoke against open defecation and urination. “There is a total ban on open defecation or open urination. Apart from the health implications for the citizenry, open defecation also falls short of human decency. Free public and private toilet facilities are available across the state for people to make use of anytime they are pressed.”
Wahab stated that trading on the road, walkways, and open spaces is not allowed. “No forms of trading will be allowed on the road, medians, open spaces and walkways meant for pedestrians. Anyone caught will be prosecuted.”
He warned that anyone caught dumping refuse illegally or littering faces up to ₦250,000 in fines or up to three months in jail under the Lagos sanitation law. He added, “Serial offenders will face stiffer punishments. Over 3,755 offenders have been prosecuted in the last one year.”
He said the government’s surveillance and enforcement teams are fully active. “All residents must be warned that our surveillance and enforcement operatives are very active. Operatives from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, KAI, and Lagos Waste Management Authority, LASTMA Surveillance Teams are fully operational across the State. Offenders are being apprehended daily and there is a new commitment to prosecute and name-shame all those convicted.”
He urged the public to report any violations or inactive PSP operators by calling LAWMA’s helplines: 080000LAWMA (08000052962) or 07080601020.
Speaking on the World Environment Day coming up on June 5, Wahab said, “The theme is ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’. The state is committed to ending the scourge of plastic waste in our state. There is no going back on the July 1 deadline for the commencement of enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics after an 18-month moratorium to producers, distributors and users.”
He added that the state is also increasing awareness to prepare residents for the new law. “We are also stepping up our advocacy for the citizenry to be well aware of the ban which is a follow-up to that of styrofoam food packs.”
