The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commended local governments across the state for strengthening waste policing and grassroots enforcement.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made available to reporters on Wednesday in Lagos.
Gbadegesin encouraged councils yet to adopt the initiative to emulate their counterparts in promoting environmental compliance at the community level.
He noted that effective waste management requires strong collaboration among state agencies, local councils, and responsible citizens.
Several local governments, he said, have taken proactive steps by establishing waste policing and monitoring structures within their jurisdictions, supporting LAWMA’s efforts to curb indiscriminate dumping and improve environmental sanitation.
He stressed that localized enforcement remains critical to sustaining cleanliness across communities.
While progress has been recorded through enforcement actions, Gbadegesin said long-term success depends on active resident participation in supporting compliance and reporting environmental infractions.
He called on residents to move beyond sharing images of dirty locations on social media and instead provide actionable information to help authorities identify and sanction offenders.
Timely reporting of illegal dumping—supported where possible by photographs or videos—would enable faster intervention and accountability, as waste management challenges are largely driven by human behavior.
Gbadegesin also urged social media users and content creators to channel public attention toward responsible civic engagement, emphasizing that community vigilance is essential to maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
He cited a recent incident at Ladipo Market as an example of enforcement impact.
Four individuals caught dumping waste illegally were apprehended following sustained monitoring and the temporary seal-off of a section of the market over non-compliance.
The offenders were handed over to LAWMA operatives for prosecution.
Gbadegesin described the incident as a demonstration of how consistent enforcement, supported by market leadership and community cooperation, can significantly improve compliance and sanitation outcomes.
