LAWMA Reports 400 Environmental Prosecutions in 2025, Advocates for Responsible Waste Disposal

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced the prosecution of 400 environmental offenses in the past year. The agency also issued a call for residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits for a cleaner city.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme. The statement was later confirmed in a Monday release by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi.

Highlighting the agency’s enforcement drive, Gbadegesin cited a recent case where an individual caught dumping waste indiscriminately is now serving a jail term.

“400 cases of environmental infractions were prosecuted in 2025, including a recent instance of a man caught dumping indiscriminately, who is now serving a jail term,” Gbadegesin stated.

He emphasized that proper waste handling is central to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos. While LAWMA continues city-wide evacuation and clearance of illegal dump sites, he noted that indiscriminate dumping by some residents continues to challenge progress.

Gbadegesin urged the public to begin sorting waste at source, separating recyclables from general waste. This practice, he explained, improves collection efficiency, supports recycling industries, and reduces landfill use.

He framed waste not as mere refuse, but as a resource with economic potential. LAWMA is promoting a shift toward a circular economy, where materials are recovered and reused, creating jobs and business opportunities while lessening environmental impact.

The LAWMA boss called for public cooperation, asking residents to report violations and avoid improper disposal. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders for a healthier, more resilient Lagos.

LAWMA is the state agency under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources tasked with solid waste management across Lagos.