Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a special task force to combat illegal waste dumping and directed transport unions to serve as environmental police across the state.
The initiative targets bus stops, garages, lay-bys and other public spaces frequently affected by indiscriminate waste disposal.
Speaking in Alausa, Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi said the government is strengthening collaboration with transport unions to improve environmental sanitation.
“Our beautiful city is being challenged by indiscriminate refuse disposal and environmental abuse,” Osiyemi said.
“We cannot fold our arms while people carry waste from their homes and dump it on roads, medians and public spaces. This is totally unacceptable.”
The commissioner said members of transport unions would work with the Lagos Waste Management Authority as environmental monitors.
“What we are asking for is collaboration because this fight is not for the government alone; it is for all of us,” he said.
Osiyemi warned that the period of impunity for illegal waste disposal had ended and urged transport operators to maintain clean garages and bus stops.
“Before you can enforce discipline outside, your own garages and bus stops must be in order,” he added.
Deputy Chief of Staff Sam Egube described transport workers as a key component of Lagos’ security structure and encouraged them to report suspicious activities.
“When you see something, say something; no individual can outsmart all of us working together,” Egube said.
Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said Lagos generates approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste every day, highlighting the scale of the environmental challenge.
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Mirian Gom 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 