The Lagos State Government has impounded two vehicles caught illegally dumping waste into a canal at the Iba-Igando Link Bridge along the Lagos-Badagry Road, with the offenders set to face prosecution.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.
Wahab’s post revealed that the vehicles were intercepted by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) during a routine monitoring and enforcement operation targeting environmental violations along the corridor.
“Officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial (KAI), while on monitoring and enforcement operation along Lagos – Badagry road, spotted 2 different vehicles discharging refuse into the canal at Iba-Igando Link Bridge. We will impound the vehicle and prosecute the offenders in line with the Lagos State Environmental Laws,” Wahab’s tweet read in part.
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Accompanying the post was a video clip showing two vehicles: a space wagon and a box truck with its rear doors open. Refuse, resembling cassava stems and peels, was seen scattered on the bridge, presumably dumped from the truck into the canal below
The Commissioner condemned the reckless dumping, emphasizing that it endangers lives, causes flooding, and damages the environment. He stressed the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance policy on pollution and encouraged residents to take responsibility by reporting such offenses.
“Dumping waste into our waterways/canals is not only reckless, it endangers lives, causes flooding, and destroys our environment,” Wahab’s post stated.
He also encouraged residents to support these initiatives by avoiding illegal dumping and promptly reporting offenders.
What you should know
Illegal dumping of refuse has long plagued Lagos, contributing to flooding, blocked drainage channels, and environmental degradation.
Over the past few months, officials from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources have apprehended several individuals and businesses involved in this offence.
- To curb the trend, the state government recently announced that anyone caught dumping refuse illegally will face a N250,000 fine or up to three months’ imprisonment.
- Repeat offenders risk harsher penalties, including increased fines and longer jail time. The aim is to discourage reckless waste disposal and reinforce the government’s commitment to a cleaner, safer city.
Residents are advised to dispose of their waste properly and report any violations to the appropriate authorities, as the crackdown on environmental offences continues.
