The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its enforcement efforts to curb illegal waste disposal, sealing a popular restaurant, Ile Iyan, on Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo, Yaba, and launching a clampdown on outlawed cart pushers across the state.
LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed that Ile Iyan was shut down for improper waste disposal practices. The restaurant was found dumping waste at an illegal dumpsite near Aje Comprehensive High School’s fence in Yaba. Despite claims of being registered with LAWMA, the facility could not produce proof of compliance, prompting the closure.
“Our operatives discovered evidence of Ile Iyan’s reckless disposal at an unauthorized site,” Gbadegesin said. “This action underscores our commitment to enforcing waste management laws. Compliance is non-negotiable for all businesses in Lagos. Defaulters will face strict penalties, including the sealing of their premises.”
LAWMA also expanded its enforcement to tackle illegal cart pushers, notorious for indiscriminate dumping of waste in areas such as Ejigbo, Isolo, and Somolu. Gbadegesin highlighted the environmental and health hazards caused by their activities and urged Lagosians to stop patronizing them.
“These illegal cart pushers undermine our efforts to create a cleaner Lagos. They degrade the environment and expose residents to serious health risks,” he said. “Residents must engage PSP (Private Sector Partnership) operators for proper waste disposal. Those caught patronizing cart pushers risk arrest and prosecution.”
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Citing the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, Gbadegesin noted that improper waste disposal is punishable by fines of not less than ₦25,000 and potential jail terms under Section 109. He emphasized the importance of adherence to these regulations to safeguard public health and prevent flooding and disease outbreaks.
LAWMA said it is working closely with other agencies, including the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), to arrest and prosecute violators. “There is no hiding place for defaulters,” Gbadegesin stressed. “Our goal is to make Lagos cleaner, safer, and more sustainable for everyone.”
LAWMA called on Lagos residents to embrace proper waste disposal practices, noting that a clean and sustainable environment requires collective effort. Gbadegesin warned that irresponsible waste disposal remains a significant cause of flooding and disease outbreaks like cholera, all of which are preventable through adherence to waste management guidelines.
