Police, LAWMA partner to tackle illegal dumping, attacks on workers

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Police Command have agreed to strengthen collaboration to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal activities and encroachment at dumpsites across the state.

The partnership is also aimed at improving the security of waste management facilities and protecting LAWMA personnel carrying out their statutory duties.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

Gbadegesin sought increased police support for the authority’s enforcement and operational activities, particularly in areas affected by illegal dumping and other environmental violations.

He said the rapid influx of people into Lagos had continued to put pressure on the state’s waste management infrastructure, with the metropolis generating between 13,000 and 16,000 tonnes of waste daily.

According to him, the volume of waste generated requires sustained operational interventions supported by effective enforcement and cooperation among relevant government agencies.

Gbadegesin said while LAWMA was intensifying waste collection, infrastructure development, recycling and resource recovery initiatives, stronger collaboration with security agencies was necessary to protect waste management infrastructure and enforce environmental regulations.

He also raised concerns over attacks and resistance faced by LAWMA personnel, including enforcement officers and street sweepers, in the course of their duties.

The LAWMA boss said some personnel had encountered resistance from unauthorised persons, including armed scavengers, while carrying out their responsibilities.

He therefore called for enhanced security around critical LAWMA facilities, operational locations and areas prone to illegal activities.

Gbadegesin said the authority was committed to working with the police and other security agencies to restore order around waste management facilities, protect personnel and infrastructure, and ensure that those who assault or obstruct officers performing their lawful duties face the consequences.

Responding, Fatai acknowledged LAWMA’s role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment and commended the authority’s efforts in waste management and environmental sanitation.

The commissioner noted that indiscriminate dumping and other environmental violations continued to undermine progress in the sector, stressing the need for stronger enforcement, public awareness and responsible conduct by residents.

Fatai assured LAWMA of the command’s support in enforcement operations and in addressing illegal dumping, unauthorised occupation and encroachment at dumpsites, as well as attacks on LAWMA personnel.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both agencies to sustained cooperation, effective enforcement and stakeholder engagement towards achieving a cleaner and safer Lagos.