In a firm move to safeguard public health and urban cleanliness, the Lagos State Government has announced strict penalties for residents caught littering or illegally dumping waste. Offenders now face a fine of ₦250,000 or a three-month jail sentence, as authorities crack down on environmental violations that threaten the city’s infrastructure and hygiene.
Government Issues Strong Warning to Defaulters
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, delivered the stern directive through an official statement shared on the government’s verified Facebook page on Tuesday. He declared that the administration would no longer tolerate blatant disregard for environmental laws and emphasized that repeat violators would be met with even harsher consequences.
“Individuals who dispose of refuse in drains, road medians, and open spaces directly contribute to Lagos’ persistent flooding challenges,” Wahab explained. “Their actions endanger public health, tarnish the city’s image, and damage infrastructure. From now on, the government will apply the full weight of the law to restore order.”
Over 3,000 Offenders Prosecuted So Far
The Commissioner disclosed that the state has already arrested and prosecuted more than 3,000 people for breaching environmental laws. With this momentum, Lagos is scaling up enforcement operations and intensifying public education to ensure compliance across all communities.
According to Wahab, the Lagos Sanitation Environmental Law explicitly outlines the penalties for illegal dumping and environmental abuse, and the government is fully prepared to invoke these statutes to deter defaulters.
Developers Warned Against Dumping Construction Waste
In addition to targeting household and street-level waste violators, the government has also turned its focus to property developers and builders. Wahab issued a direct warning against depositing construction materials on drainage channels or public roads, stating that such actions will result in criminal charges and immediate sealing of offending properties.
He emphasized that construction-related environmental offenses contribute significantly to blocked drains, which lead to avoidable flooding in both residential and commercial districts during rainy seasons.
Public Toilets Available as Open Defecation Ban Remains
The government reiterated its stance on open defecation and urination, both of which remain banned in Lagos. To encourage proper sanitation, Wahab noted that there are currently over 1,710 public toilets distributed throughout the state. He urged residents to make use of these facilities and called on illegal occupants of pedestrian bridges—often responsible for open defecation and petty crimes—to vacate immediately.
“Maintaining clean and safe public spaces is not optional. It’s a shared responsibility. Lagosians must use the provided infrastructure responsibly and avoid practices that degrade our environment,” he said.
Street Trading and Cart Pushers Also Targeted
The statement further reaffirmed the ban on street trading on roadways, medians, walkways, and open public spaces. Trading activities, according to Wahab, must be confined to designated markets and government-approved stalls. This, he explained, helps prevent traffic obstructions and minimizes littering.
Residents and business owners are also instructed to work exclusively with accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators, ensuring that garbage collection and disposal services remain consistent and efficient. The government stressed the importance of prompt payment of waste management bills and advised citizens to report instances of uncollected waste through an official helpline.
Furthermore, the ban on unregistered cart pushers remains in force, due to their direct involvement in indiscriminate waste dumping across the city. Wahab confirmed that enforcement agents from the Ministry of Environment, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) are actively arresting and prosecuting violators of this order.
Plastic Ban Enforcement Starts July 1
Looking ahead, Lagos State will begin enforcing the ban on single-use plastics starting July 1, following the expiration of an 18-month grace period. This initiative aligns with global efforts to curb plastic pollution and supports the state’s broader environmental sustainability agenda.
The Commissioner noted that the timing of the enforcement also complements World Environment Day on June 5, further demonstrating Lagos’ commitment to climate action and waste reduction.
Residents Urged to Stay Compliant During Eid-el-Kabir
In conclusion, Mr. Wahab appealed to all residents to prioritize environmental responsibility, especially during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. He encouraged individuals, communities, and businesses to sustain cleanliness efforts beyond the festive season, reinforcing that a cleaner Lagos begins with collective action.
“Every Lagosian has a role to play in building a healthier and more livable city. Whether it’s disposing of waste properly, paying your PSP bills, or discouraging others from littering, your contribution matters,” he said.
As Lagos accelerates its environmental reforms, citizens are urged to take heed of the new directives and align with the government’s vision of a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable metropolis.
