LAWMA Warns Property Owners Against Illegal Recycling and Scavenging Activities
… vows prosecution of violators
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a stern warning to
property owners, agents and private occupiers in the state, to henceforth
desist from illegal recycling and scavenging in unlicensed facilities.
It also advised them to halt indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing and
trading of recyclable waste in their facilities and in public spaces around
them.
Commenting on a public notice issued by LAWMA to property owners, agents
and private occupiers to that effect, the Managing Director/CEO of the
agency, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that such activities not only degraded
the city’s aesthetic appeal but also disrupted the rights of property
owners, contributing to serious environmental hazards.
The final public notice reads: “LAWMA has observed a rising trend of
indiscriminate waste sorting, dumping, and trading of recyclables in
unauthorized locations. These activities violate the Lagos State
Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017 and will not be
tolerated. Any individual or entity engaging in illegal recycling or
scavenging will face strict enforcement measures and penalties as
prescribed by law”.
It further cited part III, Section 85 & 86 of the Law, which makes the
deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated locations strictly
prohibited, adding that LAWMA would take all necessary steps to enforce
compliance, including prosecuting violators and shutting down offending
facilities.
Commenting further, Gbadegesin said, “We cannot fold our hands and watch
few people derail the ongoing efforts to make the environment cleaner and
livable for all residents. I also want to add that property owners who
permit unauthorised recycling or scavenging activities on their premises
risk revocation of property rights and other legal consequences.”
The LAWMA boss urged residents and stakeholders to utilise only licensed
recycling facilities and registered waste collectors, to ensure proper
waste management in Lagos, encouraging the populace to report illegal
activities through LAWMA’s official channels.
“We remain committed to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos, but
we need the cooperation of all residents. We urge everyone to comply with
waste management laws of the state and contribute to a healthier
environment,” he stressed.
He advised property owners, businesses and the public to take this final
warning seriously and avoid actions that could lead to serious legal
repercussions.
In a related development, a joint enforcement team, comprising officials of
LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State
Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) have dislodged squatters and
illegal recyclers at Ijora- Olopa underbridge, to sanitise the environment
in the area.
Gbadegesin said the enforcement exercise would continue in other areas of
the state, in line with the zero tolerance for waste policy, adding there
would be no hiding place for any individual or group of persons bent on
causing environmental degradation and undermining efforts of the Authority.
For further inquiries or to report illegal recycling activities, please
contact LAWMA via its customer service lines: 080000LAWMA (08000052962),
07080601020, and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
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