The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Police Command have agreed to strengthen cooperation to tackle indiscriminate waste dumping and illegal activities around dumpsites across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that the agreement was reached during a courtesy visit by the LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at the Police Command in GRA, Ikeja.
Gbadegesin called for increased police support for LAWMA’s enforcement and operational activities, particularly around waste management facilities and locations affected by illegal dumping.
He noted that Lagos’ growing population had continued to increase pressure on waste management infrastructure.
According to him, the state currently generates between 13,000 and 16,000 tonnes of waste daily.
The LAWMA boss said the volume required stronger operational measures, effective enforcement and closer cooperation among government agencies.
He explained that LAWMA was expanding waste collection while also developing recycling and resource recovery initiatives.
Gbadegesin stressed that these efforts could only achieve their full impact when supported by effective enforcement of environmental regulations.
He also raised concerns about the safety of LAWMA personnel working across the state.
According to him, enforcement officers, street sweepers and other personnel involved in waste evacuation sometimes face resistance while carrying out their duties.
He called for improved security around critical LAWMA facilities, operational areas and locations identified as vulnerable to illegal activities.
The LAWMA chief said protecting personnel and infrastructure was essential to maintaining efficient waste management operations.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s readiness to work closely with the police and other security agencies to improve order around waste management facilities.
Gbadegesin also stressed the importance of ensuring that individuals who obstruct lawful waste management operations are appropriately dealt with under existing regulations.
Responding, CP Fatai acknowledged LAWMA’s important contribution to maintaining a clean and healthy environment in Lagos.
The Commissioner commended the Authority for its continued efforts to improve waste collection, environmental sanitation and sustainable waste management.
He observed that indiscriminate dumping and other environmental violations continued to undermine progress in the sector.
CP Fatai therefore called for stronger enforcement alongside increased public awareness and responsible environmental behaviour by residents.
He assured LAWMA of the Police Command’s support in addressing illegal dumping and other activities affecting waste management operations.
The Commissioner also pledged cooperation in tackling unauthorised occupation and encroachment around dumpsites.
He said the Police Command would work with LAWMA to ensure that environmental offenders are held accountable under relevant laws.
The Commissioner further assured the Authority of support in protecting its facilities, personnel and operational equipment.
The partnership is expected to strengthen enforcement activities across areas affected by indiscriminate waste disposal.
It could also help improve security around dumpsites and other locations used for waste collection, processing and disposal.
Both agencies agreed that effective waste management requires collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, private stakeholders and residents.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of public compliance with approved waste disposal practices.
Residents have a major role to play by avoiding unauthorised dumping and using designated channels for waste disposal.
LAWMA’s ongoing efforts in waste collection, recycling and resource recovery are expected to complement stronger enforcement across the state.
The agency has continued to promote a cleaner and more sustainable approach to managing Lagos’ growing volume of waste.
The Police Command’s support is expected to further strengthen these efforts, particularly in areas where illegal dumping remains a concern.
The collaboration also underscores the need to protect workers who provide essential environmental services across Lagos.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and coordinated operations.
They agreed that stronger institutional cooperation would support improved compliance with environmental regulations.
The agencies also emphasised the need for continued stakeholder engagement to encourage residents to take greater responsibility for their surroundings.
With Lagos generating thousands of tonnes of waste daily, effective collection, proper disposal and responsible public behaviour remain important to maintaining a healthy environment.
The strengthened partnership between LAWMA and the Police Command is expected to support these objectives.
The agencies maintained that a cleaner Lagos requires collective responsibility and consistent enforcement.
They therefore pledged to sustain their collaboration in promoting improved waste management, protecting environmental infrastructure and supporting a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.
