- Suspected Illegal Waste Operators Attack LAWMA Officials in Lagos
- Attack on LAWMA Officers Won’t Stop Enforcement Drive, Gbadegesin Warns
- Threatens Legal Action
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has condemned the attack on its enforcement officers by suspected illegal waste operators during a routine environmental monitoring and compliance operation along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident occurred on Sunday at Mazamaza Bus Stop, where enforcement personnel were allegedly assaulted while carrying out their statutory duties aimed at ensuring environmental compliance and sanitation across the state.
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Reacting to the development, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the attack as unacceptable and a direct challenge to government efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
He warned that the authority would not tolerate any attempt to obstruct lawful enforcement activities, stressing that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.
“Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Such actions are unacceptable and will not deter us from discharging our mandate,” Gbadegesin said.
He noted that assaulting enforcement personnel constitutes a serious offence and assured residents that appropriate measures were being taken to apprehend all those involved in the attack.
Despite the incident, the enforcement team continued its operation along the Lagos-Badagry corridor, covering areas including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko and Agbara, as part of ongoing efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and enforce environmental regulations.
Gbadegesin reiterated that the activities of illegal cart pushers and operators of unauthorised dumpsites continue to pose significant threats to effective waste management and public health in Lagos.
He urged residents and business owners to patronise only accredited waste service providers and dispose of waste through approved channels in compliance with environmental laws.
The LAWMA boss also called on Lagos residents to support government efforts by adhering to environmental regulations and reporting cases of illegal waste disposal in their communities.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state, warning that offenders involved in illegal dumping and unauthorised waste collection would continue to face sanctions under Lagos State environmental laws.
