The Lagos Waste Management Authority has announced plans to arrest and prosecute people who buy goods from traders operating on roads, medians, walkways, setbacks and other unauthorised public spaces across the state from next week.
LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the enforcement would be carried out under Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
Gbadegesin said the renewed strategy would target both illegal traders and their customers as part of efforts to curb street trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and obstruction of public infrastructure. He said the law makes it an offence to purchase goods displayed for sale in prohibited locations.
According to him, anyone convicted of the offence could face a fine of N90,000, six months’ imprisonment or both. He said buyers would be held accountable alongside traders because their patronage encourages the continued occupation of public spaces.
The LAWMA boss said roadside and median markets often generate waste that ends up in drains, roads and other public areas. He added that the practice could block drainage channels, worsen traffic conditions and create public health risks.
He said the authority was also strengthening waste collection in inner streets and communities around previously cleared dumping hotspots, with identified service gaps to be addressed. However, deliberate dumping, redumping and patronage of illegal markets would continue to attract enforcement.
Gbadegesin urged residents and businesses to patronise recognised markets and use approved waste collection channels, stressing that convenience should not come at the expense of public health, environmental sanitation, road safety and the orderly use of Lagos’ shared spaces.
