The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal across the state, launching an enforcement campaign against roadside dumping and directing transport operators to maintain cleaner motor parks and garages.
The move forms part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive for the emergency evacuation of waste from major roads and public spaces across Lagos.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Commissioner for Transportation, said transport unions would play a central role in ensuring environmental sanitation within their areas of operation.
According to him, motor parks and garages must be properly maintained, while illegal trading and indiscriminate disposal of refuse must be discouraged.
As part of the initiative, the state government will establish a special Waste Police unit made up of members of transport unions across all local government areas.
The team will monitor compliance with sanitation regulations, particularly around motor parks, garages, and adjoining roads.
Osiyemi stressed that roads should not be treated as refuse dumps and warned that enforcement activities would be intensified to ensure proper waste management practices.
“Transport unions must ensure that their parks and garages are always kept clean and discourage indiscriminate trading and improper waste disposal within their areas of operation,” he said.
“The Ministry will commence enforcement activities to ensure that all motor parks and garages are properly maintained and that waste is disposed of appropriately.”
He added that the Waste Police would help monitor compliance and support government efforts to keep public spaces free from refuse.
The enforcement drive is being implemented through a partnership involving the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
The stakeholders agreed to work together to improve cleanliness across roads, parks, garages, and transport corridors throughout the state.
The government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on waste dumping and called on transport operators to actively support sanitation initiatives.
Lagos State Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, noted that transport operators in many parts of the world work closely with governments to protect public infrastructure and maintain environmental standards.
He urged transport unions to embrace a similar role in addressing Lagos’ waste management challenges.
Also speaking, Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, called on NURTW and RTEAN members to see themselves as critical partners in promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring compliance with sanitation regulations.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, said effective waste management requires collective action and cannot be handled by government agencies alone.
According to him, LAWMA currently evacuates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily across Lagos, while transport unions facilitate the movement of an estimated 22 million commuters every day.
He said the extensive presence of transport operators across the state makes them valuable partners in promoting proper waste disposal habits and reporting illegal dumping activities.
Gbadegesin expressed confidence that the collaboration would improve public awareness, strengthen compliance, and help maintain cleaner communities.
The latest enforcement campaign builds on previous measures introduced by the state government to curb environmental violations.
In June 2025, Lagos announced stricter penalties for illegal waste disposal and littering.
Under existing regulations, individuals caught dumping refuse indiscriminately face fines of up to N250,000 or a prison term of up to three months. Repeat offenders may face stiffer sanctions.
The government has repeatedly warned that dumping waste in drains, road medians, setbacks, and public spaces contributes to flooding, environmental degradation, public health risks, and urban blight.
Developers and contractors have also been cautioned against depositing construction materials on roads and drainage channels, with violators liable to prosecution and possible sealing of project sites.
The Lagos State Government said it will sustain enforcement efforts as part of broader initiatives to improve environmental sanitation, protect public infrastructure, and create a cleaner, healthier city for residents.
