Babajide Fadoju

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested scavengers caught sorting recyclables and burning waste along Ahmadu Bello Way, as the Authority intensifies its clampdown on environmental offenders across the State. The arrests were made during routine monitoring operations, following intelligence reports of illegal waste handling activities along the busy corridor, which poses significant environmental and public health risks.

The enforcement action is part of the Authority’s broader strategy to address all forms of environmental infractions, including the activities of miscreants who engage in the indiscriminate sorting and burning of waste in public spaces. The burning of waste, in particular, releases toxic fumes that endanger public health and contribute to air pollution, while the sorting of recyclables in undesignated areas creates unsightly heaps and environmental hazards.

Meanwhile, LAWMA’s sanitation crews have continued evacuation efforts across multiple corridors, clearing several environmental blackspots. In the Ajah and Lekki corridor, Gbara spot 1, Ologolo, and Jakande were all cleared, while Underbridge Gbagada Expressway was fully restored. VGC market and Beggar Bus Stop were cleared, while Maruwa traffic light and Car Wash bus stop were also evacuated. The Car Wash pedestrian bridge and Face 1 bus stop along Lekki-Epe Expressway were also cleared, bringing relief to residents and commuters along the corridor.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring that all residents and businesses comply with sanitation regulations. LAWMA warned that it would continue to clamp down on all miscreants and environmental offenders, urging residents to report any suspicious activities related to illegal waste handling in their communities.