Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a stern warning to the public, urging individuals to refrain from assaulting, intimidating, or impeding its enforcement officers while they perform their official duties throughout the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mukaila Sanusi, LAWMA’s Director Public Affairs, on Thursday.
Sanusi quoted the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to have expressed concern over recent incidents in which enforcement personnel had been threatened or assaulted in the course of enforcing environmental sanitation laws.
The statement described such acts as unacceptable and a direct affront to public order and environmental governance.
Gbadegesin stated that its enforcement officers are deployed to protect public health, enforce waste management regulations, and maintain Lagos’ cleanliness, warning that violence or intimidation against them will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
He noted that LAWMA’s enforcement activities were backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017, adding that individuals or groups found attacking officers or disrupting lawful operations would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
Dr. Gbadegesin urged residents to cooperate with LAWMA officials, comply with waste disposal guidelines, and report environmental infractions through appropriate channels rather than resorting to confrontation or self-help.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to firm but fair enforcement, public engagement and the protection of its personnel, while calling on community leaders, market associations and transport unions to support efforts aimed at promoting order, safety and environmental responsibility across Lagos.
“LAWMA remains resolute in its mandate to deliver a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable city for all residents,” he said.
