The Lagos State Government has announced strict penalties for illegal waste disposal, warning that individuals caught dumping refuse indiscriminately or littering public spaces will face a fine of ₦250,000 or up to three months imprisonment.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known during a press briefing on Tuesday. He warned that repeat offenders will face tougher sanctions, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations.
“We will not relent. Enforcement and public sensitisation efforts will continue to intensify,” Wahab stated in a release signed by Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs for the ministry.
Wahab also reiterated the ongoing ban on cart pushers, identifying them as major contributors to indiscriminate dumping. He urged residents to stop using their services and instead patronize only registered PSP operators.
The commissioner condemned developers who dump building materials on roads and drains, warning that such sites will be sealed and offenders prosecuted.
Over 3,000 environmental offenders have been prosecuted so far, according to Wahab, who stressed that enforcement teams from LAWMA, KAI, and other agencies are actively arresting and prosecuting violators, with a “name and shame” policy in effect.
Wahab also raised concerns about the misuse of pedestrian bridges, citing open defecation and petty crimes as major safety concerns.
In addition, he reminded residents of the July 1 ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam, which will be strictly enforced following an 18-month grace period.
With Eid-el-Kabir approaching, Wahab urged residents to properly manage waste from animal slaughter and celebrations by sorting and handing over refuse to PSP operators.
He concluded with a call for collective responsibility: “The government has played its part. It’s time for residents to do theirs.”
