LAWMA seals more than 25 buildings and a Mobil filling station on Ago Palace Way, Lagos, over alleged environmental violations and illegal dumping
LAWMA Seals Buildings, Mobil Filling Station on Ago Palace Way Over Waste Violations
By Newsheadline247
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed more than 25 buildings, including a Mobil filling station, along Ago Palace Way in Okota, Lagos, over alleged environmental violations and improper waste disposal.
The enforcement operation, conducted on Sunday, also targeted accumulated refuse on road medians and around bridge abutments, where the authority said indiscriminate dumping had become a recurring problem.
LAWMA Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, led the exercise, which involved compactor trucks, a payloader, tipper trucks and street sweepers deployed to clear waste and restore the affected areas.
In a statement posted on X, the authority said some of the sealed premises had illegal stalls on road setbacks or accommodated street traders whose activities contributed to littering and indiscriminate waste disposal.
The operation also led to the arrest of some cart pushers accused of dumping refuse illegally.
One of those arrested, identified as Shamusi Muritala, reportedly admitted dumping waste on road medians and told officials that he collected up to N5,000 from customers to dispose of their refuse.
According to LAWMA, Muritala, who identified himself as a native of Katsina State, pleaded for leniency when questioned by officials.
The authority said the exercise also involved sensitising residents and traders on proper waste disposal, urging them to use approved waste collection channels rather than resort to indiscriminate dumping.
Gbadegesin warned that the agency would enforce environmental regulations against illegal street trading and those who patronised traders operating in prohibited locations.
He said such activities obstructed movement, undermined public order and contributed to environmental degradation.
Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, and the Kick Against Indiscipline team supported the operation.
The enforcement exercise comes amid complaints about waste collection in Ago Palace Way. In August, The Guardian reported that residents of the area had complained about overflowing refuse and delays in evacuation despite paying for waste collection services.
The complaints highlight the challenges surrounding waste management in parts of Lagos, where authorities have continued to tackle indiscriminate dumping while residents raise concerns about the timely removal of accumulated refuse.
LAWMA said it would sustain waste evacuation and enforcement operations across the state to curb illegal dumping, improve environmental sanitation and protect public infrastructure.
The agency’s latest action underscores its continued crackdown on environmental violations, although the effectiveness of the campaign will also depend on consistent waste collection, compliance by residents and businesses, and the availability of accessible, approved disposal services.
