Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has condemned an assault on its enforcement operatives by individuals suspected to be illegal waste collectors during a routine environmental compliance exercise along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

The agency’s Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the incident as disturbing and emphasized that any effort to hinder legitimate enforcement operations would be firmly resisted.

This position was made known through a statement released on Monday in Lagos by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi.

According to the agency, the incident took place on Sunday around the Mazamaza Bus Stop axis, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, while enforcement personnel were conducting a scheduled environmental monitoring and compliance operation.

Gbadegesin disclosed that the team encountered persons allegedly engaged in unlawful waste disposal activities and was subsequently attacked by suspected cart pushers and illegal waste handlers who allegedly attempted to frustrate the exercise.

He explained that the officers were carrying out their lawful responsibilities when they came under attack from individuals believed to be working against government efforts to improve sanitation standards across the state.

The LAWMA boss noted that the assault was not only directed at enforcement personnel but also at broader initiatives aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting a cleaner environment in Lagos.

He stressed that the incident would not deter the agency from carrying out its statutory mandate and assured residents that enforcement activities would continue across the state.

Gbadegesin further warned that attacks on enforcement officials amount to serious legal violations, adding that anyone found culpable in the assault or any attempt to obstruct lawful operations would face prosecution.

He revealed that steps had already been taken to identify and apprehend all those connected to the incident.

Despite the disruption, the enforcement team continued its operations in other areas, including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko, and Agbara, as part of ongoing efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

According to him, illegal cart-pushing activities and the operation of unauthorized dumpsites remain major challenges to effective waste management in Lagos, posing threats to public health and environmental sustainability.

He urged residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to make use of only approved waste service providers and ensure that refuse is disposed of through authorized channels.

The managing director also appealed to members of the public to support government sanitation programmes by complying with environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities to relevant authorities.

Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s determination to sustain enforcement efforts across the state, warning that offenders who violate environmental regulations would continue to face the appropriate penalties under the law.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.