Femi Ashekun/
Lagos State authorities have arrested a 48-year-old man, Makinde Rasaq, for indiscriminate disposal of refuse in Oshodi, as the government intensifies enforcement of environmental laws across the metropolis.
The arrest was disclosed in a post on X by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who said Rasaq was apprehended for illegally dumping waste and is currently in custody at the Task Force Office in Oshodi for further processing in line with existing environmental regulations.
Wahab said the action was consistent with the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental infractions, stressing that offenders would be held accountable regardless of location or status.
“Indiscriminate waste disposal poses serious risks to public health, drainage systems, and overall environmental sustainability,” the commissioner said, warning that such practices contribute significantly to blocked drainages, flooding, and the spread of disease in the city.
The arrest comes amid a broader clean-up drive by the Lagos State Government. Just a day earlier, on December 20, enforcement teams cleared roadside markets along Ikotun–Igando Road, removing makeshift stalls that obstructed walkways and road setbacks.
Reports from the area indicated that several traders were arrested during the operation for similar environmental violations.
The renewed enforcement has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some residents welcomed the clampdown as long overdue, others criticised the approach as being harsh on the urban poor.
One X user, reacting to reports of the Ikotun–Igando exercise, described the operation as “violent towards the poor”, arguing that those affected were themselves victims of economic hardship.
Despite the criticism, the state government has maintained that environmental laws are essential to keeping Lagos safe and liveable.
Officials have repeatedly urged residents to patronise approved waste management operators and desist from dumping refuse on roadsides, canals, and unapproved locations.
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, has long struggled with waste management challenges, particularly during the rainy season, when blocked drainages often lead to severe flooding.
Authorities say sustained enforcement and public cooperation remain critical to addressing the problem.
0Related posts:
Generating Wealth from Waste: Firm Unveils New Brand, Identity
Lagos Police Smash Ritual Killer Gang Led by Pastor’s Son, Ifa Priest, Community Chief …Heads, Hearts, Hands Sold Below 50k
Lagosians to Pay More for Waste Disposal by October 1
Okada Riders Relocate from Lagos as Ban Takes Effect
Ota Dumping Health Hazard: Community Appeals to Gov. Abiodun As Caretaker Makes U-Turn
Nigeria at 60: How Africa’s Most Decorated Detective Made the Nation Proud