The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says residents who patronise traders operating illegally on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks and other unauthorised public spaces will be arrested and prosecuted from next week.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this at the Authority’s headquarters on Tuesday, saying the move is part of a renewed enforcement strategy to curb illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and obstruction of public infrastructure across Lagos State.
Gbadegesin said enforcement will no longer be targeted solely at illegal traders, as buyers who patronise them will also be held accountable under Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
According to him, the law does not only prohibit illegal street trading but also makes it an offence to purchase goods exposed or offered for sale in prohibited places.
“The Law does not only prohibit illegal street trading. It also makes it an offence to buy goods exposed or offered for sale in prohibited places.
“From next week, anyone found buying from traders operating on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks or other unauthorised spaces will be arrested, alongside the traders, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
He added that anyone convicted of the offence could be liable to a fine of N90,000, imprisonment for six months, or both.
The LAWMA boss said the decision to extend enforcement to buyers is aimed at breaking the cycle that allows illegal roadside and median markets to persist after enforcement operations.
He explained that such markets frequently generate waste which is dumped in drains, on roads and other public spaces, contributing to blocked drainage channels, worsening traffic conditions and creating public health risks.
“Our objective is to stop the cycle that allows illegal trading and indiscriminate waste disposal to return after enforcement operations.
“Traders occupy public spaces because people continue to patronise them. Buyers must understand that their actions sustain the problem and that they are also accountable under the law,” Gbadegesin said.
He said LAWMA is also strengthening waste collection services in inner streets and communities surrounding areas previously cleared of illegal dumping.
Gbadegesin said identified service gaps will be addressed, but warned that deliberate dumping, redumping and patronage of illegal markets will attract enforcement action.
He urged residents and businesses to patronise recognised markets and dispose of waste through approved collection channels.
According to him, personal convenience must not come at the expense of public health, environmental sanitation, road safety and the orderly use of Lagos’ shared spaces.
Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement, stakeholder engagement and improved waste collection services as the Authority intensifies efforts to eliminate open dumping and promote a cleaner Lagos.
