LAWMA vows action after officers attacked in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has condemned the attack on its enforcement officers by suspected illegal waste operators during an environmental monitoring exercise along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, issued the condemnation in a statement released on Monday in Lagos by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi.

Gbadegesin described the incident as unacceptable and warned against any attempt to obstruct the agency’s lawful enforcement activities.

According to him, the attack occurred on Sunday at Mazamaza Bus Stop, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, during a routine environmental monitoring and compliance operation.

He said the enforcement team encountered individuals allegedly engaged in illegal waste disposal while carrying out their statutory duties.

“The enforcement team was attacked by suspected illegal waste operators and cart pushers who attempted to obstruct the exercise,” he said.

“Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government efforts,” he added.

Gbadegesin described the incident as a direct affront to government efforts to safeguard public health and maintain environmental sanitation across the state.

He stressed that such actions would not deter the agency from fulfilling its mandate of ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

The managing director noted that assaults on enforcement personnel constitute a serious offence under the law, adding that anyone found involved in the attack or obstruction would face prosecution.

He said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend all those connected to the incident.

Gbadegesin added that despite the attack, the enforcement team continued its monitoring operation along key corridors, including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko, and Agbara.

He explained that the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

According to him, illegal cart-pushing activities and unauthorised dumpsites remain major challenges to effective waste management in Lagos State, posing significant risks to public health and environmental safety.

He urged residents and businesses to patronise only approved waste service providers and dispose of waste through authorised channels.

Gbadegesin also called on the public to support government efforts by complying with environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement across the state, warning that offenders would continue to face sanctions.