The Lagos State Government yesterday removed illegal structures, makeshift shelters and cleared roadside traders after parts of the state were submerged by flooding.
The operation was carried out at the Lagos State University (LASU) Gate, Iyana Iba and Alaba Rago.
The joint operation, led by the Environmental Task Force, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), is aimed at reclaiming public spaces, improving traffic flow and promoting a cleaner, more orderly environment.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the state remains resolute in protecting lives and property and will continue to enforce environmental laws without fear or favour, regardless of whose interests are affected.
“On Tuesday, we continued the reopening of the blocked drainage channel along Chevron Drive, which had been obstructed by Aje Residence Real Estate Agency. This drainage channel is critical to mitigating flooding and protecting the Ajiran community.
“During the enforcement operation, a principal representative of the real estate company mobilised nearly 20 uniformed personnel in an attempt to obstruct our officials from carrying out their lawful duties. Normalcy was restored following the timely intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, who directed the immediate withdrawal of the personnel. Waste-clearing operations are ongoing statewide.”
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mukaila Sanusi, called for greater public understanding of the ongoing waste management challenges.
He said Lagos generates significantly more waste today than it did two decades ago due to population growth, rapid urbanisation, changing consumption patterns, and increased commercial and industrial activities.
“As one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing cities, Lagos continues to experience increasing pressure on waste management infrastructure and services. This reality underscores the need for continuous investment in waste collection, transfer, recycling, resource recovery and disposal infrastructure.
“The suggestion that PSP operators are not held accountable because of political affiliations is incorrect. LAWMA regulates PSP operators based on clearly defined operational and service delivery standards. Operators are regularly monitored and evaluated, and where performance falls below the required standards, the authority applies appropriate regulatory measures, including warnings, route reviews, sanctions, suspension and licence withdrawal where necessary.
“In fact, several operators have been sanctioned in recent times as part of ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and strengthen accountability within the sector. LAWMA’s primary consideration is service performance and compliance with regulatory requirements, not political affiliation.”
On the prosecution of indiscriminate waste disposal, he said: “LAWMA continues to intensify enforcement against environmental offenders across the state. Through routine monitoring, surveillance and targeted enforcement operations, individuals engaged in illegal waste disposal, dumping waste on road medians, patronising unauthorised waste collectors and operating illegal dumpsites are apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with extant environmental laws.
“In recent weeks, LAWMA has carried out several enforcement operations across different parts of Lagos, leading to the arrest of individuals caught dumping waste on road medians and other unauthorised locations. Those apprehended were transferred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution in line with environmental regulations.
“Beyond enforcement, the authority also continues to strengthen public sensitisation, community engagement and environmental education initiatives aimed at promoting responsible waste disposal practices and reducing environmental violations. Effective waste management requires a combination of infrastructure, regulation, enforcement and public cooperation.”
