Lagos Government Imposes ₦250,000 Fine or Jail Term for Illegal Waste Disposal
Lagos residents now face a ₦250,000 fine or a three-month jail term for dumping waste illegally or littering public spaces.
Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab vowed strict enforcement, warning serial offenders of tougher penalties as the state intensifies efforts to keep Lagos clean and environmentally safe.
The Lagos State Government has taken a firm stance against environmental violations, warning that residents who dispose of waste indiscriminately or litter public spaces now face penalties of up to ₦250,000 or a three-month jail sentence.
This announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during a media briefing held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. According to Wahab, the state is determined to intensify its environmental enforcement campaign and will not tolerate continued disregard for sanitation laws.
The commissioner emphasized that this measure is part of a broader effort to maintain cleanliness, promote public health, and preserve the city’s image. He made it clear that repeated offenders would receive even harsher penalties to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We are not going to compromise our standards. There will be no room for excuses anymore,” Wahab stated. “Our commitment to ensuring a clean and safe Lagos remains unwavering. We will continue to strengthen enforcement and educate the public on the importance of compliance.”
Wahab also issued a stern warning to cart pushers, many of whom have been blamed for indiscriminate dumping of waste in various parts of the state. He reminded residents that the ban on cart pushers remains in effect and urged them to engage only registered Private Sector Participants (PSPs) for waste disposal.
“Cart pushers have been responsible for a large portion of the illegal dumping we experience. That ban is still very much active. Residents should stop using their services and opt for licensed operators,” he added.
To ensure effective enforcement, he revealed that teams from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), and other supporting agencies are on continuous patrol. These teams have been empowered to arrest violators, prosecute them through the courts, and publicly disclose their identities.
The commissioner also raised concerns about the misuse of pedestrian bridges, where squatting, open defecation, and petty crimes have turned these walkways into unsafe zones for the general public.
In addition, Wahab criticized individuals, particularly recent migrants to the city, who according to him, have been spreading misleading narratives online suggesting that Lagos is unhygienic and overrun with mosquitoes. He described such commentary as divisive and unproductive, urging critics to offer constructive feedback rather than smear campaigns.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s vision of Lagos as a city of opportunity and called on all residents to unite in safeguarding its environment for the collective good.