The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has condemned the assault on its enforcement officers while they were carrying out a routine monitoring exercise along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The incident occurred at Mazamaza Bus Stop, shortly after Festac First Gate, where LAWMA operatives reportedly encountered individuals engaged in illegal waste disposal activities. According to the Authority, the enforcement team came under attack from suspected illegal waste operators and cart pushers who attempted to obstruct the exercise.
Reacting to the incident, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the attack as unacceptable and a direct challenge to government efforts aimed at maintaining environmental sanitation and protecting public health.
“Our enforcement officers were carrying out their statutory responsibilities when they were attacked by individuals seeking to frustrate government’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Such actions are unacceptable and will not deter us from discharging our mandate,” Gbadegesin said on Monday.
He warned that the Authority would not tolerate any form of obstruction of its enforcement activities, stressing that anyone found hindering lawful operations would face the full weight of the law.
Describing the assault as a serious offence, Gbadegesin disclosed that efforts were already underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
He further reiterated that illegal cart pushers and unauthorised dumpsites remain major obstacles to effective waste management across the state, urging residents and business owners to patronise only approved waste service providers and dispose of refuse through authorised channels.
LAWMA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across Lagos, warning that individuals involved in illegal dumping and other environmental violations would continue to face sanctions in line with the state’s zero-tolerance policy on environmental offences.
The Authority also stressed that maintaining a clean and sustainable environment requires collective responsibility and called on residents to support government efforts by complying with environmental laws and reporting illegal waste disposal activities in their communities.