Street Traders Beware! LAWMA Issues Fresh Warning

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced a fresh enforcement measure targeting illegal street trading, warning that residents who purchase goods from traders operating in unauthorised public spaces will be arrested and prosecuted.

According to a statement by the agency, the enforcement is expected to commence next week and will apply to people buying goods from traders operating on roads, medians, walkways, setbacks and other prohibited areas across Lagos State.

The measure is being implemented under Section 151, Subsection 2 of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017.

LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed the development, explaining that the renewed enforcement strategy is aimed at tackling illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal and the obstruction of public infrastructure.

Gbadegesin stressed that enforcement would no longer target only traders operating illegally, as customers who patronise them would also be held accountable under the law.

“The law does not only prohibit illegal street trading. It also makes it an offence to buy goods exposed or offered for sale in prohibited places. From next week, anyone found buying from traders operating on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks or other unauthorised spaces will be arrested, alongside the traders, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

The LAWMA chief further disclosed that anyone convicted of the offence could face a fine of N90,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

He explained that illegal roadside and median markets often contribute to environmental problems, as traders and customers generate waste that ends up in drainage channels, roads and other public spaces.

According to him, such practices can obstruct drainage systems, worsen traffic congestion and create public health risks.

Gbadegesin said the new approach was designed to break the cycle in which illegal trading resumes after enforcement operations, noting that continued patronage encourages traders to occupy public spaces.

He urged residents and businesses to patronise recognised markets and make use of approved waste collection services, stressing that personal convenience should not come at the expense of public health, environmental sanitation and road safety.

The LAWMA boss also said the authority was strengthening waste collection services in inner streets and communities around areas previously cleared of illegal dumping.

He assured residents that identified gaps in waste collection would be addressed, while deliberate dumping, re-dumping and patronage of illegal markets would attract enforcement action.

Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to sustained enforcement, engagement with stakeholders and improved waste management services as part of efforts to eliminate open dumping and maintain a cleaner and safer Lagos.