The Lagos Waste Management Authority has cautioned residents of the state against assaulting, harassing or obstructing its enforcement officers during sanitation and waste management operations.
The warning was issued on Friday by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, following reports that some of the agency’s personnel were threatened and attacked while carrying out their official duties.
“I am compelled to warn, in the strongest terms, against any attempt to attack, harass, intimidate, or obstruct LAWMA enforcement officers while they carry out their lawful duties across Lagos State,” Gbadegesin said in a post on X on Friday.
He described the reported incidents as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that the enforcement officers were not deployed to instigate conflict.
“Over the past few days, we have recorded disturbing incidents in which some of our personnel were threatened and, in a few cases, assaulted during routine enforcement of environmental sanitation and waste management regulations. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Gbadegesin explained that the presence of LAWMA officers on the streets was to safeguard public health, enforce compliance with waste management regulations and ensure a cleaner and safer environment for residents.
He warned that acts of violence or intimidation against the agency’s personnel would attract serious legal consequences.
“Any act of violence or intimidation against them will be treated as a serious offence and will be met with the full weight of the law.
“LAWMA enforcement officers are not on the streets to provoke conflict. They are deployed to protect public health, ensure compliance with the established waste management system, and keep Lagos clean and safe for everyone,” Gbadegesin said.
The LAWMA boss emphasised that the agency’s enforcement operations are legally supported, referencing the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and other relevant regulations.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our enforcement activities are backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and other applicable regulations,” he said.
He advised residents to obey lawful directives during enforcement exercises and to use appropriate channels to seek clarification or lodge complaints instead of resorting to confrontation.
“Where infractions occur, residents are advised to comply with lawful instructions and use the appropriate channels to seek clarification or lodge complaints—not confrontation,” he said.
Gbadegesin further appealed to residents to cooperate with LAWMA officers, comply with approved waste disposal guidelines and report environmental infractions through designated channels.
He also called on community leaders, market associations and transport unions to partner with the agency in promoting environmental responsibility and public order.
“I also call on community leaders, market associations, and transport unions to work with us in promoting order, safety, and environmental responsibility in their domains.
“I urge all residents to cooperate with our officers, adhere to approved waste disposal guidelines, and report environmental violations through the proper channels,” he said.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to firm but fair enforcement, continuous public engagement and the protection of its personnel.
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