LAWMA to Arrest Shoppers Buying from Illegal Roadside Traders in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says it will start arresting people who buy goods from traders selling on roads, medians, walkways, setbacks, and other unauthorized public spaces in the state.

The agency announced that this enforcement will begin next week. Both the traders and their customers will face arrest.

LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, shared this information in a statement on Tuesday. He quoted the agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Muyiwa Gbadegesin.

Mr Gbadegesin explained that this action is part of the authority’s plan to stop illegal trading, careless waste disposal, and the blocking of public infrastructure.

He pointed out that the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, bans trading in unauthorized places and also buying goods from those sellers.

“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,” Mr Gbadegesin said.

“From next week, anyone found buying from traders on roadsides, medians, walkways, setbacks, or other unauthorized spaces will be arrested, along with the traders, and prosecuted according to the law.”

He added that anyone convicted of this offence could be fined N90,000, face six months in prison, or both.

Mr Gbadegesin mentioned that trading on roads and medians often leads to waste being dumped in drains and on roads, affecting public spaces.

He also noted that this practice contributes to blocked drainage channels, traffic jams, and health risks for the public.

“Our goal is to end the cycle that allows illegal trading and indiscriminate waste disposal to return after enforcement operations,” he said.

“Traders occupy public spaces because people keep buying from them. Buyers need to understand that their actions keep the problem going and that they are also responsible under the law.”

This announcement comes while LAWMA continues its efforts against illegal waste disposal and other environmental offences across Lagos.