Oyo Government Warns Against Waste Dumping, Open Defecation as Environmental Court Prosecutes Offenders

Oyo State has warned residents against illegal waste dumping and open defecation, citing legal consequences.

Officials say nearly 1,000 offenders face penalties as the environmental court steps up enforcement actions.

The Oyo State Government has restated its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, warning residents against indiscriminate waste disposal and acts such as open defecation and urination.

The state emphasized that these actions are now punishable under existing environmental laws and violators will be prosecuted accordingly.

Speaking on Friday during the arraignment of several offenders, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Seun Ashamu, said the Environmental Tribunal Court located within the ministry’s premises is now fully functional and actively addressing breaches of environmental standards.

Ashamu highlighted the improper use of market skip bins by residents for disposing of household waste and urged the public to stop the practice. He advised residents to engage only registered waste collectors or Private Sector Participants (PSPs) approved by the government in their local government areas.

“The days of dumping refuse indiscriminately without being registered with recognized waste managers are over,” he said. “Paying a small amount to a certified waste consultant is far better than risking arrest, prosecution, and paying fines.”

The commissioner revealed that nearly 1,000 individuals have already been sanctioned by the tribunal, with penalties ranging from fines and mandatory community service to jail terms of up to one month.

He called on all residents to embrace lawful waste disposal practices, stressing that adherence to environmental laws will help achieve a cleaner and healthier Oyo State.