LAWMA seals 25 buildings, mobil filling station in Lagos

Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has shut down more than 25 buildings, including a Mobil filling station, along Ago Palace Way in Okota, Lagos, over alleged environmental offences.

The enforcement exercise, conducted on Sunday, also targeted heaps of refuse dumped on road medians and around bridge abutments, where the authority said indiscriminate waste disposal had become a persistent concern.

LAWMA Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, led the operation, which deployed compactor trucks, a payloader, tipper trucks and street sweepers to clear the affected areas.

In a statement published on X, the authority said some of the sealed properties had illegal stalls on road setbacks or housed street traders whose activities allegedly contributed to littering and improper waste disposal.

Several cart pushers were also arrested over alleged illegal dumping. One of them, identified as Shamusi Muritala, reportedly admitted to dumping refuse on road medians and collecting as much as N5,000 from customers for the service.

LAWMA said Muritala, who identified himself as a native of Katsina State, appealed for leniency when questioned by officials.

The exercise also included public enlightenment campaigns for residents and traders on appropriate waste disposal practices. The authority urged them to dispose of their refuse through approved waste collection services.

Gbadegesin said LAWMA would continue to enforce regulations against illegal street trading and take action against individuals who patronised traders operating in prohibited areas.

He warned that such activities impeded movement, disrupted public order and worsened environmental degradation.

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) team provided support during the operation.