The Lagos State Government has introduced stringent penalties for environmental offenders, imposing fines of N250,000 or up to three months imprisonment for individuals caught illegally dumping refuse or littering public spaces.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, announced these measures during a media briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing that the state would no longer tolerate disregard for environmental laws.
"Serial offenders will face even stiffer punishments," Wahab warned, signaling a renewed crackdown on environmental indiscipline across Lagos.
Enforcement Measures Intensified
According to a statement issued by the Ministry's Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Kunle Adeshina, the commissioner declared that enforcement and sensitization efforts would be ramped up continuously.
"We won't drop the ball. We would continue to ramp up our enforcement and sensitisation," Wahab stated firmly.
The commissioner reaffirmed that the ban on cart pushers remains in effect, identifying them as major contributors to indiscriminate waste dumping across the state.
"Let me reiterate that the ban on cart pushers has not been lifted because they are the ones who dump wastes indiscriminately across the state. Residents should desist from patronising them and always patronise registered PSP," he advised.
Construction Violations Under Scrutiny
The government is also addressing construction-related violations, particularly targeting developers who obstruct roads and drains with building materials. Wahab emphasized that such sites will be sealed and owners prosecuted.
"Dumping building materials on drains or roads" constitutes a serious offense that the state intends to clamp down on firmly, the commissioner stated.
Over 3,000 offenders have already been prosecuted, but Wahab made it clear that enforcement efforts are just beginning. Teams from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) brigade, and other allied agencies are now operating continuously to ensure offenders are "arrested, prosecuted, named, and shamed."
Pedestrian Bridge Misuse Addressed
Another area of concern highlighted by the commissioner is the misuse of pedestrian bridges, where illegal squatting, open defecation, and petty crime have deterred residents from using these structures safely.
"They dissuade pedestrians from using the bridges and in turn endanger lives," Wahab noted, indicating that this issue would also be addressed as part of the broader environmental enforcement initiative.
The government's crackdown comes amid reports that Lagos is also set to reintroduce monthly sanitation exercises, further emphasizing the administration's commitment to environmental cleanliness and public health.
