The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to residents against illegal dumping of refuse and environmental violations, stating that offenders risk a fine of ₦250,000 or a three-month jail sentence, in accordance with the Lagos Sanitation Law.
Speaking during a media briefing held Tuesday at Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that indiscriminate disposal of waste in drains, road medians, and setbacks is a major contributor to flash flooding, public health risks, and the defacement of the city’s landscape.
Wahab stressed that the government will not tolerate environmental lawlessness, adding that over 3,000 offenders have already been arrested and prosecuted. He noted that enforcement efforts will only intensify in the coming weeks.
“We will not relent,” Wahab said. “Environmental enforcement and public sensitisation are ongoing. Behavioural change is a gradual process, but we must remain consistent and vigilant.”
The commissioner also issued a quit notice to squatters on pedestrian bridges, accusing them of engaging in open defecation and criminal activities that deter pedestrians and put lives at risk. He warned that such individuals would be arrested and prosecuted.
In addition, Wahab sounded a warning to developers who obstruct public spaces by dumping construction materials on roads or in drainage channels. He stated clearly that structures violating environmental laws will be sealed and owners held accountable.
On the issue of open defecation, Wahab reaffirmed that it remains totally banned in Lagos State. He highlighted that over 1,710 public toilets have been provided by both the government and private sector to encourage proper sanitation. He also reminded residents that eateries and fuel stations across the state are mandated to allow access to their restroom facilities for public use.
Hobnob News notes that as Lagos continues its drive toward a cleaner and safer environment, the government is urging every resident to be a part of the solution—by obeying sanitation laws and protecting the city’s shared spaces.
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