The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified enforcement across Lagos as illegal waste collectors, including cart pushers and wheelbarrow operators, resurface in defiance of a long-standing government ban.
This development comes amid widespread indebtedness by residents, leading to a reduction in services provided by Private Sector Participants (PSP) and a rise in unauthorised dump sites across the state.
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Banned but back
Despite being banned in 2018 due to their role in illegal waste dumping and environmental degradation, cart pushers have re-emerged, taking advantage of service gaps and the non-payment of waste bills by many Lagosians.
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Illegal dump sites have now proliferated from the Mainland to the Island, with notable sightings in Ajah, Isolo, Mile 2, Ago, and even along highways and inner-city roads.
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Enforcement warnings and penalties
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, recently reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy for environmental infractions, warning that violators could face up to ₦250,000 in fines or three months’ imprisonment under the Lagos Sanitation Law.
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Despite this, some residents continue to dump refuse on vacant lands and medians, raising serious public health concerns, especially during the rainy season.
PSP services declining
According to the Guardian, LAWMA confirmed that PSP waste collection has slowed down, citing residents’ failure to settle their waste bills as a major reason.
In places like Isolo, Ago Palace, and Mile 2, many residents say they’ve only seen PSP trucks twice since June 15, prompting some to resort to unregulated collectors and self-disposal methods.
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In a statement, LAWMA Spokesperson, Folashade Kadiri, acknowledged the challenges and outlined steps being taken to restore proper waste management.
Increased enforcement with surveillance teams now deployed to trouble spots, Ongoing raids on cart pushers and dismantling of illegal waste collection networks and Community education on proper waste disposal and use of authorised PSP services.
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“LAWMA is fully committed to restoring environmental cleanliness. But we need residents to play their part, this is a collective responsibility,” Kadiri said.
As Lagos faces mounting urban and environmental challenges, LAWMA’s message is clear: a cleaner city requires full cooperation from both residents and waste operators.
The battle against illegal dumping and environmental neglect will depend on sustained enforcement, adequate services, and shared accountability.
