By SpringnewsNG Media Limited | June 4, 2025

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations, warning that illegal dumping of refuse or littering public spaces now attracts penalties of up to ₦250,000 fine or a three-month jail term under the Lagos State Sanitation Law.

Speaking during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that indiscriminate waste disposal into drains, medians, and road setbacks was a major contributor to flash floods, environmental degradation, and public health hazards across the state.

Crackdown on Environmental Offenders and Open Defecation

Wahab disclosed that the state has arrested and prosecuted over 3,000 environmental offenders in recent months. He warned that enforcement operations would be intensified to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

He added, “We won’t drop the ball. Enforcement and public sensitization will continue. While we recognize that behavioral change won’t happen overnight, sustained action will drive results.”

The commissioner also issued a stern warning to squatters on pedestrian bridges across the state, many of whom engage in open defecation and criminal activities, posing serious risks to pedestrians. He said these individuals would face prosecution if caught, as their activities not only deface the environment but also endanger lives.

Building Contractors, Developers Also Under Watch

Wahab cautioned developers and builders against the practice of dumping construction materials on roads and drainage systems, emphasizing that such contraventions would lead to site closure and prosecution of the responsible parties.

“There’s a total ban on open defecation and urination in Lagos,” he stressed. “To support this policy, over 1,710 public toilets have been built across the state by both government and private sector players. Additional facilities are also available in eateries and fuel stations.”

Lagos Pushes for Cleaner, Safer Urban Living

The state’s environmental enforcement efforts are part of a broader initiative to improve urban sanitation, flood control, and public safety. The government is urging residents to embrace responsible waste disposal and support efforts to create a cleaner, safer Lagos.

Wahab concluded by emphasizing community cooperation, stating, “It’s a shared responsibility. Everyone must play their part in keeping Lagos clean, safe, and flood-free.”