The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has announced that, starting from July 1, 2025, anyone found guilty of environmental offences will face a fine of ₦250,000 or risk a jail term of up to three months. This was made known by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, via the Lagos State Government’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday.
The new directive is part of the ministry’s aggressive campaign to clamp down on environmental abuse across Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. Offences include indiscriminate dumping of refuse, street littering, defacing public spaces, and failure to comply with waste disposal regulations.
“During the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources media briefing yesterday, we made it clear that Lagos will no longer tolerate deliberate environmental abuse,” Wahab stated.
According to the Commissioner, the full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics in the state will also begin on July 1, 2025. This move is expected to curb the pollution of the state’s drainage systems, roads, and water bodies caused by plastic waste.
“From July 1, full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics begins. Offenders who dump refuse illegally, litter the streets, or deface our environment will face stiff penalties, up to ₦250,000 fine or three months in jail,” Wahab warned.
He revealed that over 3,000 environmental offenders have already been arrested in the ongoing crackdown, and the ministry is increasing surveillance, monitoring, and public advocacy to ensure stricter compliance going forward.
Wahab stressed that the law banning the activities of cart pushers remains in force, adding that public defecation, indiscriminate waste disposal, and illegal street trading will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
“This is about saving our environment, for us and the generations to come. Let’s celebrate the coming Sallah with cleanliness and responsibility,” he said.
The Commissioner urged Lagosians to take personal responsibility for their surroundings and to stop the habit of dumping waste in drainages, road medians, or waterways, which contribute to flooding and environmental degradation.
“Bag your waste properly and hand it over to your assigned PSP (Private Sector Participation) waste operator. We all have a duty to protect our Lagos. The time for change is now!” Wahab added.
The state government’s zero-tolerance approach to environmental violations comes as part of a broader initiative to improve sanitation, reduce pollution, and promote a cleaner, more livable Lagos. Over the years, Lagos has faced numerous challenges related to waste management and environmental sustainability, with poor sanitation and clogged drainage systems contributing to severe flooding and health risks.
The clampdown is expected to involve collaboration with LAWMA (Lagos Waste Management Authority), LASEPA (Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), and the Lagos State Task Force.
Residents have been advised to familiarise themselves with the state’s environmental laws and ensure they comply fully to avoid penalties. Advocacy groups and community development associations are also being mobilised to support the new enforcement measures.
Environmental experts and civil society organisations have applauded the initiative but urged the state to provide sufficient infrastructure, public education, and enforcement capacity to make the policy work effectively. Some have also called for a review of the PSP system to ensure equitable and efficient waste collection services across all local governments.
As Lagos continues to battle urbanisation-related challenges, the success of this new environmental enforcement strategy could serve as a model for other Nigerian states.
