The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed several markets and shops across the state over persistent cases of illegal waste disposal, in a renewed crackdown aimed at enforcing environmental sanitation laws.
Officials of the agency disclosed that the affected facilities were shut following repeated violations of waste management regulations, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse, failure to patronise approved waste operators, and improper storage of waste. The enforcement exercise, they noted, is part of broader efforts to restore order and improve cleanliness in Lagos.
LAWMA stressed that the action serves as a deterrent to others who continue to flout environmental laws despite ongoing sensitisation campaigns. The agency reiterated that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility and warned that defaulters would continue to face sanctions, including closure of premises and possible prosecution.
According to the authority, the operation was carried out in collaboration with other relevant agencies to ensure compliance and prevent further environmental degradation. Officials added that indiscriminate waste disposal poses serious health risks, contributes to flooding, and undermines the state’s sanitation drive.
Traders and shop owners affected by the closures were advised to regularise their waste management arrangements by engaging accredited Private Sector Participants (PSPs) and adhering strictly to disposal guidelines. LAWMA also encouraged residents and business operators to adopt proper waste sorting and disposal practices.
While some traders expressed concerns over the impact of the closures on their businesses, the agency maintained that enforcement remains necessary to protect public health and sustain environmental standards.
LAWMA reaffirmed its commitment to keeping Lagos clean and habitable, urging all residents and stakeholders to support ongoing initiatives aimed at achieving a safer and more sustainable urban environment.