Suspected illegal waste operators attack LAWMA officials in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has denounced an attack on its enforcement personnel by suspected illegal waste handlers during a routine environmental compliance operation along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

The agency’s Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the incident as unacceptable and warned that attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement activities would not be tolerated.

His position was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi.

According to LAWMA, the incident occurred on Sunday at the Mazamaza Bus Stop area, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, while enforcement officers were carrying out a scheduled environmental monitoring and compliance exercise.

Gbadegesin said the team encountered individuals allegedly involved in illegal waste disposal activities and was subsequently attacked by suspected cart pushers and illegal waste operators who attempted to disrupt the operation.

He noted that the officers were performing their official duties when they came under attack from individuals allegedly seeking to undermine government efforts aimed at improving environmental sanitation.

The LAWMA boss described the assault as an attack on broader initiatives designed to protect public health and maintain a cleaner environment across Lagos State.

He stressed that the incident would not discourage the agency from carrying out its statutory responsibilities and vowed that enforcement activities would continue across the state.

Gbadegesin further stated that attacks on enforcement officials constitute serious violations of the law and warned that anyone found to have participated in the assault or any act of obstruction would be prosecuted.

He disclosed that efforts had already begun to identify and apprehend all individuals linked to the incident.

Despite the disruption, the enforcement team proceeded with its operation in other locations, including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko and Agbara, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal and strengthen compliance with environmental regulations.

According to him, illegal cart-pushing and the operation of unauthorised dumpsites remain significant obstacles to efficient waste management in Lagos, posing risks to public health and environmental sustainability.

He urged residents, businesses and other stakeholders to patronise only approved waste service providers and ensure that refuse is disposed of through authorised channels.

The managing director also appealed to members of the public to support government sanitation initiatives by adhering to environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities to the appropriate authorities.

Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement and warned that violators of environmental regulations would continue to face appropriate sanctions.

Suspected illegal waste operators attack LAWMA officials in Lagos