Starting July 1, the Lagos State Government will begin full enforcement of stricter environmental laws, including a ₦250,000 fine or up to three months’ imprisonment for violations like illegal refuse dumping and public littering.
According to Channels Television, the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the policy in a media briefing shared via the government’s official X account on Wednesday.
“From July 1, full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics begins. Offenders who dump refuse illegally, litter the streets, or deface our environment will face stiff penalties, up to ₦250,000 fine or three months in jail,” Wahab stated.
He also revealed that more than 3,000 environmental offenders have already been apprehended in recent months as part of intensified surveillance and awareness campaigns.
Enforcement to Target Illegal Dumping and Street Trading
The commissioner emphasized that laws banning cart pushing, illegal street trading, and public defecation remain in full effect. Surveillance will be increased across key areas of the state to identify and prosecute offenders.
Residents are urged to cooperate with government waste collection efforts. The ministry has called on citizens to properly bag their waste and hand it over to designated Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators rather than dumping it in drains, medians, or unauthorized locations.
Cleaner Lagos Campaign Ahead of Sallah
As the Sallah celebration approaches, Wahab encouraged Lagosians to embrace cleanliness, stressing the need to protect the environment for future generations. He said responsible waste disposal is not only a legal obligation but a moral one shared by all residents.
“Let’s celebrate the coming Sallah with cleanliness and responsibility. We all have a duty to protect our Lagos. The time for change is now,” Wahab added.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
