LAWMA, Police Move to Crack Down on Illegal Waste Dumping in Lagos

LAWMA, Police Move to Crack Down on Illegal Waste Dumping in Lagos

 

The Lagos State Government is stepping up efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste dumping and illegal activities at dumpsites, with the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the state Police Command agreeing to strengthen enforcement and security measures across the state.

The two agencies also agreed to improve the protection of waste management facilities and personnel following concerns over attacks and resistance faced by some LAWMA officials while carrying out their duties.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at the Lagos State Police Command, GRA, Ikeja.

 

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, Mukaila Sanusi, said Gbadegesin sought stronger police support for the authority’s enforcement and operational activities.

Gbadegesin said Lagos’ rapidly growing population had continued to put pressure on its waste management infrastructure, with the state generating between 13,000 and 16,000 tonnes of waste daily.

He said the huge volume required sustained waste collection, infrastructure development, recycling and resource recovery, alongside effective enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.

The LAWMA boss also raised concerns over the safety of enforcement officers, street sweepers and other personnel deployed to evacuate indiscriminately dumped waste.

According to him, some officials had encountered resistance and attacks from unauthorised persons, including armed scavengers, while performing their statutory duties.

He therefore called for enhanced security around critical LAWMA facilities, operational locations and areas identified as prone to illegal activities.

“We are committed to working closely with the Police and other relevant security agencies to restore order around waste management facilities, protect our personnel and infrastructure, and ensure that anyone who assaults or obstructs our officers while performing their lawful duties is made to face the consequences of such actions,” he said.

Responding, Fatai acknowledged LAWMA’s role in maintaining a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in Lagos, commending the authority for its efforts to improve waste management and environmental sanitation.

The police commissioner said indiscriminate dumping and other environmental violations continued to undermine gains recorded in waste management, stressing the need for stronger enforcement, public awareness and responsible behaviour by residents.

Fatai assured LAWMA of the command’s full support in tackling illegal dumping, unauthorised occupation and encroachment of dumpsites, as well as attacks on LAWMA personnel.

He said the police would work with the authority to ensure that environmental offenders faced the consequences of their actions while supporting efforts to protect LAWMA’s facilities, personnel and operational assets.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both agencies to sustained collaboration and stronger enforcement as part of efforts to achieve a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.