By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has warned residents who patronise traders operating illegally on roads, medians, walkways and other unauthorised public spaces that they risk arrest and prosecution.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, issued the warning on Tuesday at the Authority’s headquarters, as the agency announced a renewed enforcement campaign across Lagos State.

According to LAWMA, the enforcement, scheduled to commence next week, will target not only illegal traders but also customers who buy goods from them.

7 Nigerian Governors Who Were Impeached — And What Happened Afterwards

Gbadegesin said the measure was part of efforts to tackle illegal street trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and obstruction of public infrastructure across the state.

He explained that Section 151(2) of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017 makes it an offence not only to engage in illegal street trading but also to purchase goods displayed or offered for sale in prohibited locations.

“The Law does not only prohibit illegal street trading. It also makes it an offence to buy goods exposed or offered for sale in prohibited places. From next week, anyone found buying from traders operating on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks or other unauthorised spaces will be arrested, alongside the traders, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Gbadegesin said.

According to the LAWMA chief executive, anyone convicted of the offence could face a ₦90,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both, depending on the circumstances and applicable provisions of the law.

Why LAWMA Is Targeting Buyers

Gbadegesin said illegal roadside and median markets contribute significantly to environmental problems in Lagos, as traders and customers often generate waste that ends up in drainage channels, roads and other public spaces.

He warned that such activities could obstruct drainage systems, worsen traffic congestion and increase public health risks, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

“Our objective is to stop the cycle that allows illegal trading and indiscriminate waste disposal to return after enforcement operations. Traders occupy public spaces because people continue to patronise them. Buyers must understand that their actions sustain the problem and that they are also accountable under the law,” he said.

LAWMA said the renewed enforcement strategy was designed to ensure that areas previously cleared of illegal trading and indiscriminate dumping do not quickly return to their former condition.

The Authority also disclosed that it was strengthening waste collection services in inner streets and communities surrounding locations previously cleared of illegal dumping.

The agency urged residents to patronise legitimate markets and traders operating in approved locations, warning that enforcement would be carried out against both sellers and buyers who violate the law.

\