LAWMA Announces Crackdown on Customers Buying from Illegal Roadside Traders.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced plans to begin arresting and prosecuting not only illegal roadside traders but also residents who buy goods from them.
The enforcement is expected to commence next week as part of a renewed effort by the agency to tackle illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and the obstruction of public infrastructure across Lagos State.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed the development while speaking at his office. He explained that the enforcement would be carried out in line with Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.
According to Gbadegesin, the law does not only prohibit trading in unauthorised public spaces but also makes it an offence for members of the public to purchase goods displayed for sale in such locations.
He warned that, from next week, anyone caught purchasing goods from traders operating on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks and other prohibited areas could be arrested alongside the traders and prosecuted.
A person found guilty of the offence may face a fine of ₦90,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both, in accordance with the law.
LAWMA Links Illegal Markets to Environmental Problems
Gbadegesin said illegal roadside and median trading often contributes to the accumulation of waste in public spaces. According to him, refuse generated around these markets is frequently dumped into drainage channels, on roads and in other unauthorised locations.
He noted that such practices can block drains, worsen traffic congestion and increase risks to public health and environmental safety.
The LAWMA chief executive said the agency’s new approach was designed to address both sides of the problem by targeting traders as well as the customers whose patronage enables illegal markets to continue operating.
He explained that enforcement would be accompanied by efforts to improve waste collection services in inner streets and communities, particularly around areas where illegal dumping sites had previously been cleared.
Residents Urged to Use Approved Markets and Waste Channels
LAWMA also warned that deliberate dumping, the re-establishment of cleared dumping points and continued patronage of illegal markets would attract enforcement action.
Gbadegesin urged residents and businesses across Lagos to patronise recognised markets and make use of approved waste collection services.
He stressed that convenience should not take priority over public health, environmental cleanliness, road safety and the proper use of public spaces.
The LAWMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained enforcement, engagement with stakeholders and improved waste management services as part of efforts to eliminate open dumping and promote a cleaner and safer Lagos.
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