By: Tijani Salako.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has secured the conviction of 16 environmental offenders for illegal waste disposal and other sanitation-related offences in a renewed crackdown on environmental violations across the state.
The offenders were convicted on Monday by the Oshodi Special Offences and Mobile Court after being arraigned on charges including indiscriminate waste disposal, failure to register with assigned Private Sector Participants (PSPs), and violations of Lagos State environmental sanitation laws.
The court sentenced each of the convicts to four months’ imprisonment, comprising one month on each of the four counts brought against them.
According to LAWMA, the offenders were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations at Gbagada Expressway, Anthony Oke, Oworonsoki and Bariga, where they were caught dumping refuse on road medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised locations.
The authority said the convictions are part of its ongoing enforcement campaign to curb indiscriminate waste disposal, improve compliance with environmental regulations and promote a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
Commenting on the judgment, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the convictions as a strong signal of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws.
“The era of indiscriminate waste disposal without consequences is over. These convictions send a clear message that environmental laws will be enforced without fear or favour. We will continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement across the state to ensure compliance with approved waste management practices,” he said.
