Lagos Government Cracks Down on Illegal Waste Dumping with Heavy Fines and Jail Terms

In a bid to tackle environmental infractions, Lagos State has announced a ₦250,000 fine or three months imprisonment for anyone caught illegally dumping waste or littering public areas. The announcement was made by Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Wahab issued a stern warning to persistent offenders, saying, “serial offenders will face even stiffer punishments,” and vowed to intensify enforcement and public sensitisation campaigns. The Ministry’s public affairs director, Kunle Adeshina, emphasized that the ban on cart pushers remains in effect due to their role in indiscriminate waste disposal, urging residents to patronise only registered private sector participants (PSPs).

The Commissioner expressed concern over developers dumping construction materials on drains and roads, warning that “such sites will be sealed up and the owners prosecuted.” Over 3,000 offenders have been prosecuted so far, but Wahab insists this is only the start of the enforcement drive.

Teams from LAWMA, KAI, and other agencies are actively working to “arrest, prosecute, name, and shame” offenders. Wahab also highlighted the problem of squatters on pedestrian bridges, saying their activities “dissuade pedestrians from using the bridges and in turn endanger lives.”

The government is gearing up to enforce the ban on single-use plastics starting July 1, following an 18-month moratorium. Wahab stressed, “There is no going back,” reinforcing the commitment to the World Environment Day theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution.”

With Eid-el-Kabir approaching, Wahab called on residents to properly sort and hand over waste generated during celebrations to approved PSP operators. He concluded, “The government has done its part. Now residents must do theirs.”