By Akinwale Kasali
Over 40 environmental offenders have been handed fines and Community Service penalties by the Environmental Special Offences Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, having been found guilty of indiscriminate waste disposal.
The gravity of the offences and impact on the environment was underscored by the Magistrate by imposing a fine of ₦30,000 on each offender, with an option of six hours of community service, in designated areas like the General Hospital, Odan, and Tinubu Market in Lagos Island.
Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA’s, Managing Director/CEO, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, expressed the Authority’s commitment to enforcing the zero-tolerance policy for indiscriminate waste dumping.
Gbadegsin said, “The verdict aligns with our unwavering commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents of Lagos. We cannot overemphasise the importance of responsible waste disposal in safeguarding public health and preserving our surroundings.”
He highlighted the need to promote a culture of responsible waste disposal, calling on residents to support efforts of the state government to make the environment sustainably clean, by disposing of their waste appropriately using covered bins, adding that lack of waste containers in homes gave rise to indiscriminate waste dumping.
“The penalties handed down by the court reflect the seriousness with which we view indiscriminate waste dumping. Stiffer penalties await environmental offenders, both individuals and corporate bodies, as the Authority enforces the zero-tolerance policy.
“We encourage residents to take personal responsibility for their waste and dispose of it appropriately. It is important that people put their waste in covered bins, as this would reduce the challenge of indiscriminate dumping in the metropolis. Together, we can create a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos”.
Since the recent enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal began, over 160 persons had been arrested and convicted with appropriate fines or an option of community service, at locations designated by the magistrate’s court.
