The Lagos State Government has once again alerted the public on the serious consequences of illegal waste disposal in the state, saying offenders risk paying a fine of ₦250,000 or facing up to three months in prison, depending on the severity of the offence.
This warning was issued on Tuesday during a press conference held at Alausa in Ikeja by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Wahab made it clear that the continued habit of dumping refuse and other solid waste in inappropriate places—such as drainage channels, road medians, and open spaces—not only causes environmental degradation but also increases the chances of flooding in Lagos.
According to Wahab, “The government has arrested and prosecuted over 3,000 environmental offenders.” He noted that this was part of the state’s ongoing effort to keep Lagos clean and safe. He also stated that this initiative will continue as part of the government’s enforcement and public education strategy.
He pointed out that these poor environmental habits are harmful to public health and make the city look untidy. In his words, changing these behaviors will take time but must be pursued consistently.
The commissioner also addressed another growing concern—squatters living on pedestrian bridges. He said these individuals often engage in open defecation and criminal acts, making it unsafe for others to use the bridges. Wahab stated that anyone caught in these acts will be prosecuted accordingly.
In addition, Wahab warned developers and contractors to stop dumping construction materials into drainages or on roads. He stated that any building site found guilty of this would be sealed, and the responsible individuals would be taken to court.
Wahab also spoke about the government’s fight against open defecation and urination. He noted that more than 1,700 public toilets have already been provided through both government and private efforts. He urged residents to use these facilities, which are also available in eateries and petrol stations across the state.
