The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), issued a stern warning to property owners, agents, and private occupiers in the state to cease illegal recycling and scavenging activities in unlicensed facilities.
In a statement released on Friday, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, emphasized the need to stop indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing, and trading of recyclable waste in unauthorized locations, including both private properties and public spaces.
Gbadegesin highlighted that such practices not only diminish the city’s aesthetic appeal but also disrupt property owner’s rights, leading to serious environmental hazards.
“LAWMA has observed an increasing trend of illegal waste sorting, dumping, and trading of recyclables in unapproved locations,” Gbadegesin stated.
“These activities violate the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and will not be tolerated.
Any individual or entity involved in illegal recycling or scavenging will face strict enforcement and penalties as prescribed by law,” the statement continued.
He pointed out that Sections 85 and 86 of Part III of the law explicitly prohibit the deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated areas.
In response, LAWMA will take necessary steps to ensure compliance, including prosecuting violators and shutting down unauthorized facilities.
“We cannot stand by and allow a few individuals to undermine efforts aimed at making our environment cleaner and more livable for all,” Gbadegesin remarked.
“Property owners who allow unauthorized recycling or scavenging activities on their premises risk losing their property rights and facing other legal consequences,” Gbadegesin stated.
The LAWMA MD urged Lagos residents and stakeholders to utilize only licensed recycling facilities and registered waste collectors to ensure proper waste management practices.
He also encouraged residents to report illegal activities through LAWMA’s official channels.
“We are committed to creating a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos, but we need the cooperation of every resident.
We urge everyone to comply with the state’s waste management laws and contribute to a healthier environment,” he added.
Gbadegesin also delivered a final warning to property owners, businesses, and the public, urging them to take the warning seriously to avoid legal consequences.
In related news, Gbadegesin confirmed that a joint enforcement team had successfully dislodged squatters and illegal recyclers at the Ijora-Olopa underbridge area. The team included officials from LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps.
“This enforcement exercise will continue in other areas as part of our zero-tolerance policy on waste management violations,” he affirmed.
“There will be no safe haven for individuals or groups seeking to degrade the environment and undermine the efforts of the authority.”
Gbadegesin further appealed to Lagos residents to report illegal recycling activities through LAWMA’s contact lines at 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or 617, or visit the LAWMA website at www.lawma.gov.ng.
