By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has said that every business operating in Lagos must be registered with the agency and comply with approved waste management guidelines as defaulters will be sanctioned.

This comes as LAWMA, sealed off a restaurant, popularly known as Ile-Iyan, on Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo, Yaba, over violation of waste disposal regulations.

The Managing Director, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated this on Wednesday, following the closure of the business facility for reckless disposal of waste.

Gbadegesin, who explained that the closure was part of on-going enforcement activities around the state, added; “Our operatives discovered evidence of Ile Iyan’s waste disposal at an illegal dumpsite near Aje Comprehensive High School’s fence in Sabo, Yaba. Although the facility claimed to have enlisted with LAWMA, they were unable to provide any proof of registration or documentation. This left us with no choice than to seal off their premises to compel compliance.”

He stressed that the authority’s firm stance on compliance and enforcement concerning waste management regulations remained non-negotiable for all businesses operating in Lagos, hence, the need to maintain a clean and healthy environment for residents.

Gbadegesin maintained that; “Every business operating in Lagos must be registered with LAWMA and comply with approved waste management guidelines. Defaulters will face strict penalties, including the sealing of their premises. This will help us safeguard our environment, making it livable for all residents.”

LAWMA’s enforcement efforts extended beyond businesses to target illegal cart pushers operating in various areas, including: Ejigbo, Isolo, and Somolu, which have been constituting nuisance as well as serious harm to the environment and public health.

Gbadegesin said: “These illegal cart pushers are a major problem. They undermine our efforts at creating a cleaner Lagos by dumping waste indiscriminately. Their actions degrade the environment and expose residents to serious health risks.

“We urge Lagosians to stop patronizing the outlawed cart pushers, because those who do, risk arrest and prosecution. The right thing to do is to engage with assigned Private Sector Participant, PSP operators, for proper waste disposal.”

Highlighting the legal framework supporting the actions, the LAWMA boss referred to the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, which prohibits improper waste disposal.

“Section 82(1) of the law clearly states that dumping waste in unauthorised locations, such as road medians, is illegal. Offenders risk fines of not less than ₦25,000 and potential jail term under Section 109. These regulations exist to protect our environment and the health of Lagosians,” he affirmed,

Gbadegesin, added that LAWMA was working in collaboration with other sister agencies, such as the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC, to prosecute violators and maintain environmental standards across the metropolis.

“There is no hiding place for defaulters. With the support of sister agencies, we will continue to arrest and prosecute those who flout waste management laws. Our goal is to make Lagos cleaner, safer, and more sustainable for everyone,” he vowed.

Gbadegesin, however, called on all residents to join the fight against improper waste management, stressing that a sustainable environment depended on collective responsibility, stressing that irresponsible waste disposal was one of the major causes of flooding, and spread of diseases like cholera, all of which were preventable, if everyone adhered to waste management regulations.