The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced its intention to arrest and prosecute individuals who purchase items from traders operating illegally on roads, medians, walkways, setbacks, and other unauthorized public areas throughout the state.
This enforcement initiative is set to begin next week, in accordance with Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
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Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, made this announcement on Tuesday at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
Gbadegesin explained that this action is part of a renewed strategy to address illegal trading, improper waste disposal, and obstruction of public infrastructure.
He noted that enforcement efforts will now extend beyond targeting illegal traders to include customers who buy from them, holding them accountable under the law.
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“The law prohibits not only illegal street trading but also makes it an offense to purchase goods sold in restricted areas.
“Starting next week, anyone found buying from vendors on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks, or other unauthorized locations will be arrested and prosecuted alongside the traders,” he stated.
He emphasized that those convicted could face a fine of N90,000, up to six months in prison, or both.
Gbadegesin highlighted that illegal roadside and median markets often create significant waste, which is then dumped in drainage systems, roadways, and other public areas.
Such actions lead to blocked drains, increased traffic issues, and public health hazards.
He expressed that LAWMA aims to disrupt the cycle that allows illegal trading and indiscriminate dumping to persist after enforcement measures are implemented.
“Traders occupy public spaces because people continue to support them. Buyers need to realize that their actions perpetuate the problem and they too are liable under the law,” he remarked.
Furthermore, he indicated that LAWMA is enhancing waste collection services in neighborhoods and streets that have been cleared of illegal dumping.
Identified gaps in service will be addressed, while deliberate dumping, re-dumping, and support of illegal markets will continue to face penalties.
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Gbadegesin called on residents and businesses to support designated markets and utilize approved waste disposal services.
He emphasized that convenience should not compromise public health, environmental cleanliness, road safety, or the orderly use of shared spaces in Lagos.
The LAWMA CEO reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to ongoing enforcement, engaging stakeholders, and improving waste collection services as part of a broader effort to eliminate open dumping and create a cleaner Lagos.
