Lagos to Arrest Buyers of Goods from Illegal Traders

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), will commence the arrest and prosecution of individuals who purchase goods from illegal roadside traders starting next week. Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, announced this initiative on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

This enforcement action is in accordance with Section 151, Subsection 2 of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017. The strategy aims to address illegal trading, indiscriminate waste disposal, and the obstruction of public infrastructure.

Gbadegesin stated that enforcement will now target not only illegal traders but also those who support such activities by buying from them. This measure is deemed necessary as patronage encourages traders to occupy unauthorized public spaces, generating waste that obstructs drainage and poses public health risks.

The Lagos State Government has previously warned against trading on walkways, and LAWMA is committed to sustained enforcement and improved waste collection services.