The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced plans to arrest and prosecute people found buying goods from traders operating in unauthorised public spaces across Lagos State.
Eko Hot News reports that the enforcement will begin next week and will target buyers patronising traders on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks and other prohibited locations.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this at the Authority’s headquarters on Tuesday.
Gbadegesin said the measure forms part of a renewed strategy to address illegal trading, improper waste disposal and the obstruction of public infrastructure.
According to him, enforcement will no longer focus solely on traders operating in prohibited locations.
He explained that buyers who patronise such traders could also face action under Section 151, Subsection 2 of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
Gbadegesin said the law prohibits not only trading in certain public spaces but also purchasing goods displayed or offered for sale in those locations.
He warned that buyers found patronising traders in prohibited areas would be held accountable alongside the traders.
The LAWMA boss said offenders could face a fine of N90,000, imprisonment for six months, or both, upon conviction.
He explained that the new approach is intended to address the demand that supports unauthorised roadside and median markets.
According to him, illegal markets often contribute to the accumulation of waste in public spaces.
Gbadegesin said waste generated around such trading points is sometimes left on roads, in drainage channels and other areas not designated for waste disposal.
He noted that this can affect drainage systems and contribute to environmental sanitation challenges.
The LAWMA chief also said unauthorised trading activities can interfere with the proper use of roads and other public infrastructure.
He stressed that the Authority’s objective is to prevent the return of activities that have previously been addressed through enforcement operations.
Gbadegesin said buyers play an important role in determining whether illegal trading activities continue.
He urged residents to understand that patronising traders in unauthorised areas contributes to the persistence of the problem.
The Authority is also strengthening its waste collection services in inner streets and communities across Lagos.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA is paying attention to areas surrounding locations where dumping hotspots have previously been cleared.
He explained that identified gaps in waste collection services would be addressed as part of the broader environmental sanitation strategy.
However, he warned that deliberate dumping and the return of waste to previously cleared locations would attract enforcement.
The Authority will also pay attention to patronage of unauthorised markets as part of the renewed strategy.
Residents and businesses have therefore been encouraged to use recognised markets when purchasing goods.
LAWMA also urged members of the public to use approved waste collection channels for proper disposal of household and commercial waste.
The Authority said residents should consider the wider effect of their choices on public health, environmental cleanliness and the orderly use of shared spaces.
Gbadegesin emphasised that personal convenience should not take priority over the collective interests of Lagos residents.
He said maintaining a cleaner environment requires cooperation between government agencies, businesses, traders and members of the public.
The new enforcement approach is expected to increase attention on both sellers and buyers involved in transactions taking place in prohibited public spaces.
LAWMA’s position also highlights the importance of responsible waste management and compliance with environmental regulations.
The Authority has continued to encourage residents to dispose of waste through approved channels.
It has also urged businesses and communities to support efforts aimed at maintaining cleaner streets and public areas.
According to LAWMA, sustained enforcement must be supported by improved services and greater public awareness.
The Authority is therefore combining enforcement with efforts to strengthen waste collection across communities.
This approach is intended to create a more effective and sustainable environmental management system.
The planned enforcement comes as Lagos continues efforts to improve cleanliness and the proper use of public infrastructure.
Roads, walkways, medians and setbacks are designed for specific public purposes and are not intended to serve as permanent trading locations.
LAWMA is seeking to discourage activities that interfere with these spaces while encouraging residents to patronise recognised markets.
Gbadegesin called on residents to cooperate with the Authority as enforcement activities begin.
He also urged businesses to ensure that their waste is handled through approved collection arrangements.
The LAWMA chief reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and improved service delivery.
He said the goal is to achieve sustained progress rather than temporary improvements following enforcement exercises.
The Authority is expected to continue monitoring areas affected by illegal dumping and unauthorised trading.
Residents are encouraged to support the initiative by using designated markets and approved waste disposal services.
LAWMA said collective responsibility remains essential to maintaining a cleaner and more orderly Lagos.
The planned action therefore places responsibility not only on traders but also on consumers who support trading activities in unauthorised locations.
As enforcement begins next week, residents and businesses are expected to comply with the applicable environmental regulations.
The Authority said its efforts are ultimately aimed at reducing open dumping, improving sanitation and protecting the proper use of Lagos’ shared public spaces.
Gbadegesin reaffirmed that LAWMA would continue combining enforcement, stakeholder engagement and improved waste collection services in pursuit of a cleaner Lagos.
