Environmental Court in Lagos Imposes Fines and Community Service on 40 Offenders for Indiscriminate Waste Disposal

LAGOS/Nigeria: The Environmental Special Offences Court, situated in Ikoyi, Lagos, has delivered a stringent message to 40 individuals found guilty of thoughtless waste disposal. Each offender faced a penalty of ₦30,000 or six hours of community service in specified areas such as the General Hospital in Odan and Tinubu Market on Lagos Island.

In an official statement released by Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, the Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the gravity of these offences was underscored. The statement highlighted the court’s determination to address the adverse impact of such actions on the environment.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, emphasized the Authority’s staunch commitment to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward reckless waste dumping. “The verdict aligns with our unwavering commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents of Lagos,” said Gbadegesin, stressing the pivotal role responsible waste disposal plays in public health and environmental preservation.

He urged residents to rally behind the government’s efforts in maintaining a sustainably clean environment by utilizing covered bins for waste disposal, attributing the surge in indiscriminate dumping to the absence of waste containers in homes.

Gbadegesin reiterated the severity of the penalties handed down by the court, signaling the Authority’s intent to impose even stricter consequences on future environmental offenders, be they individuals or corporate entities. He called for individual responsibility in waste disposal, advocating for the use of covered bins to mitigate the challenge of indiscriminate dumping in the metropolis.

The statement detailed that the recent crackdown on indiscriminate waste disposal had led to the arrest and conviction of over 160 individuals. These convictions have included appropriate fines or community service, mandated by the Magistrates’ court at designated locations.

Ndokwa Reporters

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WhatsApp chat
Verified by MonsterInsights