LAWMA, police join forces to tackle illegal waste dumping, dumpsite encroachment in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, and the Lagos State Police Command have agreed to strengthen their partnership to tackle indiscriminate waste dumping, illegal activities and encroachment at dumpsites across the state.

A statement by the Lagos State government said the two agencies also agreed to improve the protection of waste management facilities and personnel as part of efforts to ensure a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at the Lagos State Police Command in GRA, Ikeja.

Gbadegesin sought stronger police support for the authority’s enforcement and operational activities, particularly in areas affected by illegal dumping and other environmental violations.

He said the growing population of Lagos had continued to put pressure on the state’s waste management infrastructure, contributing to the rising volume of waste generated across the metropolis.

According to him, between 13,000 and 16,000 tonnes of waste are generated in Lagos every day.

He stressed that the volume required sustained efforts in waste management, supported by effective enforcement and cooperation among relevant government agencies to address indiscriminate dumping and other environmental offences.

“While the Authority was intensifying waste collection, infrastructure development, recycling and resource recovery initiatives, stronger collaboration with security agencies remained critical to protecting waste management infrastructure and ensuring the effective enforcement of environmental regulations,” Gbadegesin said.

Gbadegesin also raised concerns over the safety of LAWMA personnel, including enforcement officers, street sweepers and other workers involved in clearing illegally dumped waste.

He said some of the workers had faced resistance and attacks from unauthorised persons, including armed scavengers, while carrying out their official duties.

He therefore called for increased security around key LAWMA facilities, operational locations and areas considered prone to illegal activities.

According to him, protecting LAWMA personnel is important to maintaining effective waste management operations across the state.

Responding, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, acknowledged the important role played by LAWMA in keeping Lagos clean, healthy and sustainable.

He commended the authority for its continued efforts to improve waste management and environmental sanitation across the state.

The police commissioner noted that indiscriminate waste dumping and other environmental violations by some residents continued to undermine the progress made in waste management.

He stressed the need for stronger enforcement, increased public awareness and responsible behaviour among residents.

CP Fatai assured LAWMA of the full support and cooperation of the Lagos State Police Command in strengthening enforcement operations and addressing cases involving illegal dumping, unauthorised occupation and encroachment of dumpsites.

He also pledged the Command’s support in tackling attacks on LAWMA personnel.

“The Command would work closely with LAWMA to ensure that environmental offenders were made to face the consequences of their actions, while supporting the Authority’s efforts to protect its facilities, personnel and operational assets,” he assured.