LAWMA seals shops, others in Lagos over indiscriminate waste disposal

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed numerous shops along the Tejuosho-Ojuelegba corridor due to the improper disposal of waste, as the agency ramps up enforcement of environmental sanitation laws to enhance cleanliness across the state. On Sunday, LAWMA's Waste Investigation, Surveillance and Enforcement team joined forces with officials from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI), OP MESA personnel, and the Nigeria Police to carry out the operation.

The crackdown targeted businesses that had been warned repeatedly about illegally dumping refuse on road medians, despite ongoing public awareness campaigns by the state government.

In recent months, the Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to combat indiscriminate waste disposal, prevent flooding from blocked drainage channels, and improve public health through LAWMA and other agencies. The Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, announced the operation in a statement on his official X account, revealing that authorities were currently sealing shops that violated environmental regulations along the Tejuosho-Ojuelegba corridor.

Gbadegesin explained that the operation targeted Modele Street, Fagbile Street, and Maja Street, where persistent environmental sanitation violations have been recorded despite continuous advocacy, warnings, and previous engagements.

The affected shops will remain closed until they meet the state's sanitation requirements and fully comply with environmental regulations. Gbadegesin emphasized that the primary goal of the exercise is to encourage compliance rather than punish business owners. He also called upon residents and business operators to support the government's efforts by using assigned Private Sector Participant waste operators, keeping surroundings clean, and disposing of waste responsibly.

Gbadegesin concluded by urging everyone to work together to build a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable Lagos.