Lagos seeks NURTW support to curb illegal refuse dumping as transport unions join efforts to improve sanitation and environmental compliance
The Lagos State Government has enlisted the support of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria in a renewed campaign to curb indiscriminate refuse dumping on roadsides and medians across the state.
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The initiative was unveiled on Saturday during a joint press conference addressed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, at the Ministry of Transportation Conference Room in Alausa.
The move forms part of the state government’s broader effort to improve environmental sanitation and address growing concerns over waste accumulation in public spaces.
Speaking at the briefing, Osiyemi said transport union members would play a critical role in monitoring roads and identifying individuals who illegally dispose of refuse in unauthorised locations.
According to him, the extensive presence of transport workers across Lagos makes them valuable partners in strengthening environmental enforcement.
“We have observed the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the roadside, and that is why we invited the transport union workers because they have branches across roads in Lagos State,” Osiyemi said.
“We want members of parks and garages across the state to serve as our eyes in monitoring those who dump refuse on the expressway indiscriminately and arrest them.”
The commissioner stressed that illegal waste disposal poses serious environmental and public health risks, warning that the state would continue to prosecute offenders caught violating sanitation laws.
As part of the arrangement, selected transport union members will be integrated into the state’s environmental monitoring framework to support compliance and enforcement activities.
Gbadegesin described the partnership as a strategic step towards ending the persistent problem of refuse dumping on highways and other public spaces.
“We must read a riot act to ourselves and, from today, there must be no waste dumped on any road. We know that with the support of the transport unions, we will achieve that,” he said.
“We want you to send anyone carrying waste back home and not allow them to dump refuse close to your garages.”
The LAWMA boss added that the agency would continue to intensify waste evacuation operations while pursuing sustained public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting responsible waste disposal practices.
A secondary highlight of the initiative is the introduction of stricter oversight measures for transport facilities.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, disclosed that routine inspections would be conducted at parks and garages across the state.
He warned that operators whose facilities are found littered with refuse or linked to environmental violations could face sanctions.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Sam Egube, urged transport workers to act as whistleblowers by reporting individuals and groups involved in illegal dumping activities.
The latest intervention comes days after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the immediate evacuation of refuse across Lagos following widespread complaints from residents about heaps of waste on roads, medians and within several communities.
In recent weeks, concerns over delayed waste collection have dominated public discourse, prompting calls for more decisive action from government agencies responsible for sanitation and environmental management.
The Lagos State Government has repeatedly warned residents against dumping refuse in drains, road verges and other unauthorised locations, noting that poor waste management contributes significantly to flooding, environmental degradation and public health challenges.
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As Africa’s most populous city continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation and rising waste generation, officials say stronger collaboration between government agencies, transport unions and residents will be crucial to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
