The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed shops and business premises along the Tejuosho–Ojuelegba corridor over persistent illegal dumping of refuse on road medians.
The enforcement followed repeated warnings to traders who allegedly continued violating Lagos State environmental sanitation laws in spite of sustained sensitization campaigns.
A statement issued on Thursday by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi, said the operation was conducted by the agency’s Waste Investigation Surveillance and Enforcement team.
LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the action became necessary to restore environmental order and safeguard public health along the busy corridor
He said indiscriminate waste disposal by traders had undermined sanitation efforts and defaced public infrastructure, despite continuous engagement with market leaders and stakeholders.
According to him, several advocacy campaigns and consultations failed to stop the practice, leaving the authority with no choice but enforcement.
“We had no option but to invoke relevant provisions of the state’s environmental laws,” Gbadegesin said.
He disclosed that affected shops and market stalls would remain sealed until traders fully complied with prescribed sanitation requirements.
“The affected shops and market stalls will remain sealed until the traders comply fully with prescribed sanitation requirements,” he stated.
Gbadegesin added that LAWMA must also be satisfied that adequate preventive measures had been implemented before the premises could be reopened.
He stressed that road medians, drainage channels and other public spaces were not designated locations for waste disposal.
The managing director warned that the authority would sustain strict enforcement against individuals and businesses violating environmental regulations across the state.
He urged traders, market associations and residents to patronize assigned Private Sector Participants waste operators for proper refuse management.
Gbadegesin also advised residents to dispose of waste responsibly and support government efforts aimed at maintaining a cleaner environment.
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to combining continuous public enlightenment with firm enforcement to improve environmental compliance statewide.
According to him, the authority will continue implementing measures designed to protect public health and improve residents’ quality of life.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LAWMA has intensified enforcement of environmental sanitation laws in recent months across Lagos.
The agency has repeatedly warned that illegal dumping on road medians and drainage channels contributes significantly to flooding, environmental degradation and public health risks. (NAN).
