The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has disclosed that 447 people were prosecuted in 2025 for dumping refuse on roads and other unauthorised locations across the state.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Muyiwa Gbedegesin, revealed this in an interview on Tuesday, stressing that the agency would step up enforcement against environmental offenders.
Gbedegesin said indiscriminate waste disposal by residents continues to undermine effective waste management in Lagos, noting that many people leave refuse on roadsides expecting LAWMA trucks to collect it.
“Residents make it difficult for LAWMA to operate. They leave their waste on the road for collection, but that is not the approved system. Anytime we see such waste, we spend public funds to remove it,” he said.
He explained that waste collection is primarily the responsibility of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, with residents expected to pay their monthly fees for refuse to be collected directly from homes.
“That kind of attitude is an aberration. The more we clear the waste, the more people keep dumping because they think it is the system.
“That is why we are intensifying enforcement. Last year, we recorded over 1,000 arrests and prosecuted 447 offenders. Some are serving jail terms, while others are doing community service,” Gbedegesin added.
The LAWMA boss noted that enforcement operations have continued into 2026.
On Monday, four individuals were arrested for illegal dumping in the Ladipo area and were taken to Oshodi for prosecution by the state task force.
“We will continue enforcement and advocacy, while clearing any waste that escapes the established waste management system,” he said, stressing that residents are legally obliged to maintain clean surroundings.
Gbedegesin also announced the return of environmental health officers to enhance monitoring and enforcement at the grassroots level.
He added that approval has been granted for the recruitment of 300 officers, with 77 already engaged, bringing the total workforce to 377 personnel to be deployed across wards in the state.
“We have personnel challenges, and decentralisation is key. Officers will conduct house-to-house sensitisation, enforce environmental regulations, and apply sanctions where necessary, including reviving the old ‘wole wole’ system for unkempt surroundings,” he said.
He further revealed plans to introduce incentives, including awards for the cleanest wards and local government areas, to encourage voluntary compliance and foster environmental cleanliness across Lagos.