Lagos declares war on illegal dumping, street trading

The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement of environmental sanitation laws, warning residents and traders against indiscriminate waste disposal, street trading and other activities prohibited by law.

The government, through THE Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), gave the warning at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held on Tuesday at the Multi-Agency Safety Arena Hall, Bolade, Oshodi.

Head of LAGESC, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd.), said the engagement was designed to bring the government closer to residents, obtain feedback from stakeholders and sensitise the public on environmental policies and regulations.

Cole said the state had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the dumping of refuse in canals and drainage channels, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted in line with the law.

He cited the recent arrest and prosecution of a 53-year-old woman in Mafoluku for allegedly dumping refuse in a canal as an example of the enforcement measures being implemented across the state.

The LAGESC boss said the environmental laws being enforced were not new, urging residents to familiarise themselves with the regulations and comply with them.

He warned that both buyers and sellers operating in unauthorised locations, including walkways, traffic-congested areas and illegal markets, could be arrested.

According to Cole, the government is also strengthening the use of mobile courts to facilitate the swift prosecution of environmental offenders across the state.

He said mobile courts could sit at different locations, allowing offenders arrested before 4 p.m. to be brought before the court the same day for trial and judgment.

Cole added that persons sentenced to imprisonment would be taken directly to correctional facilities to serve their terms.

He also warned traders against using pedestrian bridges and other prohibited areas for street trading, while urging residents and market operators to stop dumping waste around markets, canals and drainage channels.

The LAGESC chief said enforcement teams were continuing to arrest violators, including residents who cross expressways instead of using designated pedestrian bridges.

He further cautioned residents against paying unauthorised levies to individuals posing as government revenue collectors or agberos.

Cole urged residents and other stakeholders to pay only approved government charges and support the state’s efforts to maintain a cleaner and safer environment.

The engagement brought together relevant stakeholders to discuss ways of improving environmental sanitation, strengthening enforcement and promoting greater compliance with environmental regulations across Lagos.