The Lagos State Government has issued a fresh warning to residents about the consequences of illegal dumping and littering, stating that offenders risk a fine of ₦250,000 or imprisonment for up to three months as stipulated in the Lagos Sanitation Law.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the warning on Tuesday during a press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja. He explained that improper disposal of waste—including dumping in drains, road medians, and setbacks—was a major cause of flash floods, posed health risks, and contributed to the defacement of the city.
Wahab also addressed the growing concerns about squatters occupying pedestrian bridges across the state. He noted that many of them engaged in open defecation and criminal acts, which discouraged proper use of the bridges and jeopardized public safety. According to him, violators will be prosecuted.
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“The government has arrested and prosecuted over 3,000 environmental offenders. However, we won’t drop the ball, we will continue to ramp up our enforcement and sensitisation. I want us to all know that we cannot achieve the results of behavioural change overnight, but it has to be over time,” he said.
The commissioner further warned property developers against dumping construction materials on roads and drainage systems. He emphasized that any buildings violating these rules would be sealed, and the owners taken to court.
Wahab also reiterated the state’s ban on open defecation and urination. He revealed that over 1,710 public toilets had already been made available through government and private initiatives, with additional restroom access provided by eateries and gas stations across Lagos.
