Monday, October 12, 2026 - Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has shut down more than 25 buildings, including a Mobil filling station, along Ago Palace Way in Okota, Lagos, over alleged environmental offences.
The enforcement exercise, conducted on Sunday, also targeted
heaps of refuse dumped on road medians and around bridge abutments, where the
authority said indiscriminate waste disposal had become a persistent concern.
LAWMA Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, led the
operation, which deployed compactor trucks, a payloader, tipper trucks and
street sweepers to clear the affected areas.
In a statement published on X, the authority said some of
the sealed properties had illegal stalls on road setbacks or housed street
traders whose activities allegedly contributed to littering and improper waste
disposal.
Several cart pushers were also arrested over alleged illegal
dumping. One of them, identified as Shamusi Muritala, reportedly admitted to
dumping refuse on road medians and collecting as much as N5,000 from customers
for the service.
LAWMA said Muritala, who identified himself as a native of
Katsina State, appealed for leniency when questioned by officials.
The exercise also included public enlightenment campaigns
for residents and traders on appropriate waste disposal practices. The
authority urged them to dispose of their refuse through approved waste
collection services.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA would continue to enforce regulations
against illegal street trading and take action against individuals who
patronised 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
provided support during the operation.
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