The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has strongly condemned an attack on its enforcement officers by individuals suspected to be involved in illegal waste disposal activities during a routine sanitation operation in the state.
The incident reportedly occurred along the busy Lagos–Badagry Expressway, where LAWMA officials were carrying out an environmental compliance exercise aimed at tackling improper refuse disposal and other sanitation violations.
According to the agency, the enforcement team encountered a group allegedly engaged in unlawful waste management practices. What started as a routine inspection quickly turned tense when some suspected cart pushers and illegal waste operators reportedly confronted and attacked the officials in an attempt to disrupt the exercise.
Reacting to the development, LAWMA Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the assault as unacceptable and a direct challenge to efforts being made to keep Lagos clean and safe.
He stressed that the officers were simply carrying out their lawful duties and should not be subjected to intimidation or violence while enforcing environmental regulations.
Gbadegesin noted that beyond targeting LAWMA personnel, the attack was also an attempt to undermine broader government initiatives aimed at improving sanitation, protecting public health and creating a cleaner environment for residents.
Despite the disruption, he said the agency remains committed to its responsibilities and will not be deterred from enforcing environmental laws across the state.
The LAWMA boss warned that anyone found responsible for attacking enforcement officers or obstructing official operations would face the full weight of the law. He added that efforts were already underway to identify and arrest all individuals linked to the incident.
While the confrontation occurred in the Mazamaza area near FESTAC First Gate, LAWMA officials continued enforcement activities in other locations, including Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko and Agbara.
Gbadegesin explained that illegal waste collection and the operation of unauthorized dumpsites continue to pose serious challenges to effective waste management in Lagos. According to him, such activities not only damage the environment but also expose residents to health risks.
He urged households, businesses and commercial establishments to work only with approved waste service providers and avoid patronizing illegal operators.
The agency also appealed to members of the public to support environmental sanitation efforts by obeying waste disposal regulations and reporting illegal dumping activities to relevant authorities.
Reaffirming LAWMA’s resolve, Gbadegesin said the agency would continue its enforcement drive across Lagos and ensure that individuals who violate environmental laws are held accountable.