Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Lagos Waste Management Authority has vowed to prosecute those responsible for attacking its enforcement officers during an environmental compliance operation along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The agency said the incident occurred on Sunday at Mazamaza Bus Stop, shortly after FESTAC First Gate, when officials conducting a routine monitoring exercise encountered individuals allegedly involved in illegal waste disposal activities.
In a statement issued on Monday by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the attack as an attempt to frustrate government efforts to maintain environmental sanitation across the state.
“The enforcement team was attacked by suspected illegal waste operators and cart pushers who attempted to obstruct the exercise,” he said.
“Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government efforts,” he added.
Gbadegesin said the assault was unacceptable and warned that attacks on enforcement personnel constituted a serious offence under the law.
He stressed that the agency would not be deterred from carrying out its mandate, noting that efforts were already underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the incident.
According to him, the enforcement team continued its operation despite the attack, extending monitoring activities to key locations including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko and Agbara.
The LAWMA boss explained that the exercise formed part of ongoing measures to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and improve compliance with environmental regulations.
He identified illegal cart-pushing and the operation of unauthorised dumpsites as major obstacles to effective waste management in Lagos, warning that such activities pose significant environmental and public health risks.
Gbadegesin urged residents and business owners to patronise only approved waste service providers and dispose of refuse through authorised channels.
He also called on members of the public to support sanitation efforts by obeying environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to sustained enforcement, he warned that violators of environmental regulations would continue to face sanctions.
