LAWMA and LASTMA clear illegal structures and vehicles on Badagry Expressway

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has continued its work on the Badagry Expressway. They are clearing illegal structures and vehicles blocking public spaces between the Lagos State University (LASU) Gate and Okokomaiko.

This information was shared in a statement on their official X account on Monday.

LAWMA said the operation focused on makeshift structures and illegal occupants blocking the road. This is part of efforts to restore order, improve sanitation, and allow for smoother traffic flow on one of Lagos’ busiest roads.

“The clearance operation along the Badagry Expressway continued from LASU Gate to Okokomaiko, where illegal occupiers and structures were removed to restore order and improve the corridor,” the agency stated.

LAWMA worked with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) during this operation. LASTMA officials also removed vehicles that were parked illegally on the road median.

“In collaboration with LASTMA, enforcement teams also removed vehicles that had been illegally using the median as a parking area, while demolition activities and the evacuation of debris progressed across the affected locations,” the agency added.

LAWMA explained that this operation is part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to reclaim public spaces, improve sanitation, and reduce traffic jams throughout the state.

This exercise comes as the state government strengthens enforcement of environmental laws. There have been rising concerns about improper waste disposal and misuse of public infrastructure in many areas of Lagos.

A recent report showed that drainage along the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, another key transport route, was blocked with plastic bottles, nylon bags, food packs, and other waste. During visits to that area, reporters also found human waste in some drainage sections, showing ongoing sanitation and public health issues despite clean-up efforts.

In response to these findings, LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said on Monday that the agency would look into the affected area and enforce the law. He reminded everyone that open defecation is against Lagos environmental laws.

This investigation came after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu told LAWMA, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to step up waste removal and environmental enforcement. He acted after complaints about heaps of waste on roads, drainage systems, and other public spaces in the state.

On Monday, LAWMA emphasized that the Badagry Expressway operation is part of ongoing efforts to restore order on major roads and improve the environment for both residents and road users.

“The ongoing exercise forms part of sustained efforts to reclaim public spaces, improve traffic flow, and create a cleaner, safer environment for all road users,” the agency said.