Oluwafunbi Bello 
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) launches a tougher crackdown on illegal waste dumping as the state battles worsening flooding and environmental degradation linked to indiscriminate refuse disposal.
Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin warns that Lagos cannot become a flood-resilient city without strong sanctions for offenders.
“A bag of refuse tossed into a drain does not disappear,” he cautions. “It blocks culverts, worsens flooding and sends plastics into our canals and lagoon systems.”
LAWMA’s strategy now includes intelligence-driven monitoring, community whistleblowing and prosecution of persistent violators. Recent enforcement sweeps led to arrests, including tricycle operators caught dumping waste in restricted areas.
A notorious blackspot in Somolu has also been cleared in partnership with councils and the Oodua People’s Congress.
Gbadegesin says sensitisation remains critical, urging residents to stop patronising cart pushers and instead work with registered PSP operators. “Enforcement is our duty, but voluntary compliance is what secures Lagos’ future.”
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Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna 
