LAWMA Intensifies Enforcement Against Illegal Waste Practices
Kehinde Adeleye
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has escalated its enforcement and clean-up operations across the state in a bid to combat indiscriminate waste disposal and maintain environmental sustainability.
LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the agency’s unwavering commitment to keeping Lagos clean and ensuring compliance with waste management laws.
To achieve this, LAWMA has mobilized its monitoring and enforcement team, the Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Anti-Cart Pushers Squad, to dislodge illegal waste operators contributing to the unsanitary conditions in the state.
The squad actively engages in waste policing and enforces waste management regulations to minimize environmental pollution and health hazards.
He said, “LAWMA remains resolute in stamping out illegal waste disposal and environmental violations. Our Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Anti-Cart Pushers Squad has been actively dislodging illegal waste operators who contribute to the degradation of our environment. We urge residents to desist from patronising them and instead work with registered PSP operators for proper waste disposal.”
In recent operations in areas such as Ifako-Ijaiye, Dopemu, Agege, and Ojodu Berger, LAWMA apprehended numerous cart pushers in an effort to curb these harmful practices. Gbadegesin warned that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and that anyone caught engaging in cart pushing would face legal consequences.
In addition to targeting cart pushers, LAWMA has initiated the evacuation of waste from illegal dumpsites along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, specifically behind Circle Mall.
This operation is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to clear accumulated waste, remove silt along the median and verges, and prevent indiscriminate disposal along highways.
Similar cleanup initiatives are currently taking place at the Mile 2 Badagry expressway and are scheduled to continue in the coming weeks.
In a separate exercise, LAWMA has intensified efforts to clean up Lagos waterways, ensuring that rivers and water bodies remain free of waste and blockages. The initiative is aimed at reducing environmental pollution and promoting cleaner water channels across the state.
Gbadegesin urged Lagosians to support LAWMA’s initiatives in 2025, by properly disposing of their waste, reporting service gaps, and calling the agency’s helplines for backup waste collection services.
“A cleaner Lagos is achievable when everyone plays their part. We urge residents to work with assigned PSP operators, report waste-related infractions, and adopt responsible waste disposal habits. Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier city for all,” he added.
