LAWMA shuts shops for roadside waste dumping

Lagos State's environmental sanitation efforts have led to the closure of numerous shops and business premises along the Tejuosho-Ojuelegba corridor.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) enforced the closure due to persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians, a direct violation of the state's environmental sanitation laws.

LAWMA's Waste Investigation Surveillance and Enforcement team conducted the operation after repeated warnings and sustained non-compliance by traders. Their activities have been undermining environmental sanitation and marring public infrastructure.

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The affected shops and market stalls will remain sealed until the traders comply fully with the prescribed sanitation requirements and the authority is satisfied that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of LAWMA, stated that the action was necessary to restore environmental order, protect public health, and ensure adherence to waste management regulations. "The affected shops and market stalls will remain sealed until the traders comply fully with the prescribed sanitation requirements and the authority is satisfied that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence," he said.

Gbadegesin noted that despite ongoing educational efforts, careless waste disposal continued, compelling LAWMA to take decisive action based on Lagos State environmental laws. He reiterated that road medians and drainage channels are not designated waste disposal sites.

LAWMA urges traders, market associations, and residents to utilize assigned Private Sector Participation operators, dispose of waste responsibly, and support the government's initiatives for a clean environment. The authority plans to continue combining public enlightenment with strict enforcement to improve compliance and enhance the quality of life for Lagos residents.

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Road medians, drainage channels and other public spaces are not designated waste disposal points. LAWMA will continue to take decisive enforcement action against individuals and businesses found engaging in acts capable of degrading the environment.