LAWMA TO ARREST LAGOS RESIDENTS BUYING FROM ILLEGAL ROADSIDE TRADERS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has warned that residents who patronise traders operating on roads, medians, walkways, setbacks and other unauthorised public spaces will face arrest and prosecution from next week.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this on Tuesday at the authority’s headquarters, according to a post on its Facebook page.
Gbadegesin said the planned enforcement was part of renewed efforts to tackle illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and the obstruction of public infrastructure across Lagos State.
He explained that the enforcement would no longer focus solely on traders, as customers who purchase goods from illegal roadside markets would also be held liable under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
“The law does not only prohibit illegal street trading. It also makes it an offence to buy goods exposed or offered for sale in prohibited places,” he said.
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The LAWMA boss added that, beginning next week, anyone caught purchasing goods from traders operating in unauthorised locations would be arrested alongside the traders and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He said offenders convicted of the offence could be fined N90,000, sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, or subjected to both penalties.
According to him, illegal roadside and median markets frequently result in the dumping of waste on roads, in drainage channels and other public spaces.
Gbadegesin noted that the activities contribute to blocked drainage systems, worsening traffic congestion and heightened public health risks.
“Our objective is to stop the cycle that allows illegal trading and indiscriminate waste disposal to return after enforcement operations. Traders occupy public spaces because people continue to patronise them,” he said.
“Buyers must understand that their actions sustain the problem and that they are also accountable under the law.”
He further disclosed that LAWMA was strengthening waste collection services in inner streets and communities around areas previously cleared of illegal dumping.
He said identified gaps in waste collection would be addressed, while deliberate dumping, re-dumping and patronage of illegal markets would attract enforcement action.
Gbadegesin urged residents and businesses to patronise approved markets and dispose of their waste through authorised collection channels.
He stressed that convenience should not be prioritised over public health, environmental sanitation, road safety and the proper use of public spaces.
The LAWMA chief reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to sustained enforcement, stakeholder engagement and improved waste collection services as part of efforts to eliminate open dumping and promote a cleaner Lagos.
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