The Oyo State Government has warned residents against indiscriminate waste disposal and open defecation, stating that violators will now face prosecution under the state’s environmental laws.
The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Barrister Seun Ashamu, during the arraignment of environmental offenders at the Environmental Tribunal Court located within the ministry’s premises in Ibadan on Friday.
Barrister Ashamu emphasized that the government is committed to enforcing environmental regulations and will no longer tolerate improper waste management practices across the state.
“The era of careless refuse dumping in unauthorized bins without proper registration is over,” he said, urging residents to stop using market skip bins for household waste and instead register with certified Private Sector Participants (PSPs) or government-approved waste collectors in their respective local government areas.
According to the commissioner, the state has made it more convenient and affordable for residents to manage waste responsibly. “It’s more cost-effective to pay a modest fee to registered waste consultants than to face prosecution and hefty fines when caught,” he added.
He disclosed that the Environmental Tribunal Court is now fully operational and has the authority to penalize violators of the state’s environmental laws. Since its activation, nearly 1,000 offenders have been prosecuted, with penalties ranging from fines and community service to jail terms of up to one month.
Ashamu stressed that environmental sanitation is a shared responsibility and called on all residents to comply with the state’s waste disposal policies to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
“The government is serious about transforming Oyo State into a cleaner, greener, and safer place for all. We urge everyone to play their part,” he concluded.
The statement was confirmed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in an official release on Friday, August 1, 2025.
