… says no hiding place for cart pushers

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has intensified enforcement activities around the state, leading to the sealing of Ile Iyan, a business outfit on Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo, Yaba, for violating waste disposal regulations; and a major clamp-down on cart pushers. Commenting on the development, the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that the business facility was closed for reckless disposal of waste. He said, “Our operatives discovered evidence of Ile Iyan’s waste disposal at an illegal dumpsite near Aje Comprehensive High School’s fence in Sabo, Yaba. Although the facility claimed to have enlisted with LAWMA, they were unable to provide any proof of registration or documentation. This left us with no choice than to seal off their premises to compel compliance.” Gbadegesin emphasised the Authority’s firm stance on enforcement, reiterating that compliance with waste management regulations was non-negotiable for all businesses operating in Lagos, to maintain a clean and healthy environment for residents.“Every business operating in Lagos must be registered with LAWMA and comply with approved waste management guidelines. Defaulters will face strict penalties, including the sealing of their premises. This will help us safeguard our environment, making it livable for all residents”, he stated. LAWMA’s enforcement efforts extended beyond businesses to target illegal cart pushers operating in various areas, including Ejigbo, Isolo, and Somolu, causing serious harm to the environment and public health. He said: “These illegal cart pushers are a major problem. They undermine our efforts at creating a cleaner Lagos by dumping waste indiscriminately. Their actions degrade the environment and expose residents to serious health risks. We urge Lagosians to stop patronising the outlawed cart pushers, because those who do, risk arrest and prosecution. The right thing to do is to engage with assigned PSP operators, for proper waste disposal.” Highlighting the legal framework supporting these actions, the LAWMA boss referred to the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which prohibits improper waste disposal. “Section 82(1) of the law clearly states that dumping waste in unauthorised locations, such as road medians, is illegal. Offenders risk fines of not less than ₦25,000 and potential jail term under Section 109. These regulations exist to protect our environment and the health of Lagosians.” He said further that LAWMA was working in collaboration with other sister agencies, such as the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), to prosecute violators and maintain environmental standards across the metropolis. “There is no hiding place for defaulters. With the support of sister agencies, we will continue to arrest and prosecute those who flout waste management laws. Our goal is to make Lagos cleaner, safer, and more sustainable for everyone”, Gbadegesin said. He called on all residents to join the fight against improper waste management, stressing that a sustainable environment depended on collective responsibility, adding that irresponsible waste disposal was one of the major causes of flooding, and spread of diseases like cholera, all of which were preventable, if everyone adhered to waste management regulations. For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

In continuation of its state-wide campaign for environmental cleanliness, the Lagos Waste Management Authority , LAWMA, has taken its motorized advocacy campaign, tagged “ War on Waste” to Dopemu-Iyana Ipaja axis, primarily to inspire attitude change among the residents.It comes on the heels of a similar road show, held along Lekki Toll Gate, Jakande and Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government of the state.Speaking at Dopemu Roundabout by Santos Estate, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, the Managing Director/ CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the director of advocacy unit, Mr. Adewumi Adetona, noted that the campaign theme, “War on Waste”, was a determined move to tackle the menace of indiscriminate dumping, non-patronage of PSP operators and improper waste containerization prevalent in the state.He said: “With over 20 million residents, Lagos generates 13,000 metric tonnes of waste on a daily basis.

The Authority bears the brunt of evacuating much of the waste on road median, streets,canals and drainage channels everyday. However, it is not sustainable for us as an agency, to continue with the same task without sensitizing you on your role in the waste management chain. That is why we have come up with this intervention. Our Advocacy Unit has always been on the move to enlighten residents, traders and communities. This is the second public roadshow we are having and the goal is to ensure the message of sustainable waste management practices gets to everyone.“I want to implore you to relay the message to others and spread the gospel of a positive environmental consciousness to everyone around you. Let’s start from our homes by purchasing a waste bin for proper containerization of the waste we generate; separate organic waste from recyclables, patronize assigned PSP operators and pay for waste services promptly. Embrace the opportunities in recycling and start earning an income from your waste. Should you have any complaints about PSP services, call the Authority’s toll free lines and you will be attended to. Together, we can achieve a cleaner and safer Lagos,’’ he noted.Also speaking, the head of marketing and sales, Adopt-a-bin, Mrs Adedoyin Oyefusi , noted that the new smart bins, which could be acquired through installment payments, was carefully designed to prevent theft and enhance waste management efficiency for residents.She said” We are committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices that will enhance a healthy living. To achieve this, LAWMA decided to introduce smart bins to help us achieve our goal of a cleaner Lagos. This campaign is tagged “war on waste” because we do not want to see any waste dumped recklessly. Therefore, we implore you to procure the waste bins and dispose of your waste properly into the bins,’’ she stressed.The campaign train sensitized people in English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and pidgin languages on the essence of proper waste management, singing and dancing while also engaging traders and commuters on all inclusive and participatory sensitization.The roadshow which terminated at Iyana Ipaja Round About, had in attendance, the Authority’s management staff, staff members of departments and units, street sweepers, medical staff, neighbourhood watch, enforcement personnel, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and LAWMA ambassador, Alhaji Sikiru Ademola Junaid, popularly known as Lemon.For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has embarked on a motorised advocacy campaign, to key areas of Eti-Osa Local Government, to sensitise residents on sustainable environment, as part of activities marking the Authority’s observance of World Cleanup Day.

Adopting the theme, “Make Room for Life”, the roadshow kicked off at Lekki Toll Gate, covering Ilasan, Jakande Bus-stop, Maiyegun Beach Road, Eleganza Bus-stop, Ajah, to Abraham Adesanya, to raise awareness about environmental cleanliness and resource management of waste in Lagos State.

Speaking on the significance of the campaign, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated that the campaign was part of the agency’s larger effort to mobilise individuals, communities, and organisations to take immediate action towards a cleaner environment.

He said, “Our goal is to drive a change in behavior and attitudes towards proper waste management in Lagos. Through this motorised advocacy, we aim to engage residents of Eti-Osa and beyond, encouraging them to adopt better waste disposal habits and embrace programs such as our Adopt-a-Bin initiative and Recycling efforts.”

Gbadegesin said the campaign was also aimed at addressing pressing waste management issues in the area, especially illegal waste dumping and cart pushing, which had posed a significant environmental challenge.

The LAWMA boss noted that the occasion of World Cleanup Day served as a reminder of the need for Lagosians to adopt sustainable waste practice, like waste sorting, recycling, and the use of designated bins, adding that the practices were key to reducing the amount of waste on the streets and landfills.

The roadshow, which involved the usage of English and the three major Nigerian languages: Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, focused on encouraging residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and featured advocacy on the importance of sorting, bagging, and containerising waste.

A significant part of the campaign was on LAWMA’s “Adopt-a-Bin” initiative, which highlighted the introduction of new geo-located smart bins, equipped with RFID panels, designed to prevent theft and enhance waste management efficiency for residents, aligning with Lagos State’s vision of becoming a smart city.

Head of LAWMA’s Advocacy Unit, Mr. Adewunmi Adetona, who addressed residents and business owners, at the event, advocated for the use of smart bins, to achieve the state’s goal of a clean and sustainable environment, adding that cleanliness in the city was essential for fostering economic growth and investment opportunities.

LAWMA’s Ambassador, Alhaji Sikiru Ademola Junaid, popularly known as Lemon, played a key role, engaging and educating the community through music, rendering the “Keep Lagos clean and recycle waste” song, to drive home the importance of waste separation.

On the campaign train were heads of LAWMA’s various departments and units, including street sanitation sweepers, medical staff, neighbourhood watch, enforcement personnel, as well as officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), demonstrating a collective commitment to achieving a cleaner and smarter Lagos State.

For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or  visit www.lawma.gov.ng.