Lagos Resident Sent To Jail For Dumping Waste In Drain

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

LAGOS, MEIRAN – A 53-year-old Lagos resident, Nelly Monday, has been sentenced to one month in prison for dumping refuse into a drainage channel in the Meiran area of the state.

Monday was arrested at No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, during a joint enforcement operation involving the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the Mobile Police.

Her arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public, allowing the enforcement team to swiftly respond to the reported environmental violation.

The authorities reiterated their commitment to tackling indiscriminate waste disposal and enforcing environmental regulations across Lagos.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority confirmed the conviction in a statement on Thursday.

She was subsequently arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, where she pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to one month in prison.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended members of the public who provided the information, describing their action as “a demonstration of responsible citizenship and support for efforts to protect the environment.”

Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to tackling indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly practices that obstruct drainage channels and increase flooding risks during rainfall.

“Members of the public have an important role to play in protecting our environment. When you see indiscriminate dumping or any other environmental violation, speak up and report it.

Timely information can help us respond quickly and prevent environmental offences from becoming bigger problems,” he said.

The Authority warned residents against dumping refuse in drainage channels and other unauthorised locations, stressing that such acts are environmental offences that attract sanctions under the law.

“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of communities and residents,” Gbadegesin added, urging residents to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something.”

LAWMA urged residents to dispose of their waste responsibly through approved channels, warning that indiscriminate dumping in drainage channels poses a serious threat to public health, the environment and Lagos’ drainage infrastructure.

The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant enforcement agencies to track down and sanction environmental offenders across the state.