The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has announced that starting July 1, 2025, anyone caught dumping refuse illegally, littering streets, or damaging the environment will face strict penalties. Offenders risk paying a fine of N250,000 or serving a three-month jail term.
Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, made this announcement on the government’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday. Wahab said Lagos State will no longer tolerate deliberate environmental abuse and is committed to enforcing environmental laws more strictly.
“From July 1, full enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics begins,” Wahab stated. “Offenders who dump refuse illegally, litter the streets, or deface our environment will face stiff penalties, up to N250,000 fine or three months in jail.”
The ministry has already arrested over 3,000 environmental offenders and plans to increase surveillance and public education to protect the state’s environment.
Wahab also reminded Lagosians that laws against cart pushers, public defecation, and illegal street trading remain in effect and will be strictly enforced.
He urged residents to play their part by bagging their waste properly and handing it over to assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators. He warned against dumping refuse into drains or on medians, which contribute to flooding and pollution.
“This is about saving our environment, for us and the generations to come. Let’s celebrate the coming Sallah with cleanliness and responsibility,” Wahab said.
He called on all Lagos residents to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their city, emphasizing that the time for change is now.
