Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed more than 25 buildings, including a Mobil filling station, along Ago Palace Way in Okota, Lagos, over alleged environmental violations.
The enforcement operation, conducted on Sunday, targeted properties allegedly linked to illegal street trading and indiscriminate waste disposal, as well as refuse dumped on road medians and around bridge abutments.
LAWMA Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, led the operation, which deployed compactor trucks, a payloader, tipper trucks and street sweepers to clear affected areas.
In a Monday statement published on X, the authority said some of the sealed properties had illegal stalls on road setbacks or accommodated street traders allegedly contributing to improper waste disposal.
Several cart pushers were also arrested during the exercise. Among them was Shamusi Muritala, who reportedly admitted dumping refuse on road medians and charging customers up to ₦5,000 for the service. Muritala, who identified himself as a native of Katsina State, reportedly appealed for leniency when questioned by officials. The operation also included public enlightenment campaigns urging residents and traders to use approved waste collection services.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA would continue enforcing environmental regulations against illegal street trading and take action against people patronising traders operating in prohibited areas.
He warned that such activities “impeded movement, disrupted public order and worsened environmental degradation.” The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) team supported the operation.
LAWMA’s action forms part of enforcement efforts targeting improper waste disposal and activities that obstruct roads and other public spaces. The authority’s statement did not provide a breakdown of all the sealed properties or specify how long the closures would remain in effect.
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Hope Ajayi 
Oluwatobi Adu 