By Adesakin Adefemi
In a significant move to enforce environmental sanitation laws, the Lagos State Government has arraigned 17 individuals for urinating and defecating in public places.
The development was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on his official X (formerly Twitter) page on Thursday.
According to Wahab, the offenders were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and subsequently arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade in Oshodi. The court found the defendants guilty of committing environmental offences.
“Today, 17 environmental offenders apprehended by LAWMA operatives were arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, for urinating and defecating in public places,” Wahab stated. “The court found the defendants guilty and sentenced each offender to pay a fine of N40,000 or serve one month imprisonment.”
The commissioner emphasized that open urination and defecation remain serious environmental offences in Lagos State, posing significant public health risks to residents.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to enforcing sanitation laws to protect public health and maintain order in communities.
“Let this serve as a clear reminder that open urination and defecation are environmental offences and serious public health risks,” Wahab said. “Lagos State will continue to enforce sanitation laws firmly to protect public health, preserve human dignity, and maintain order in our communities.”
Wahab urged residents to make use of available public sanitation facilities and comply with environmental regulations, stressing that cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
He noted that the state government has invested in providing public toilets and sanitation infrastructure to curb open defecation and urination.
The arraignment and sentencing of the 17 offenders signal a renewed effort by the Lagos State Government to tackle environmental sanitation challenges and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for residents.
The government has warned that it will continue to crack down on environmental offenders and enforce relevant laws.
Residents have been advised to report any environmental nuisances or offences to the appropriate authorities for prompt action. The state government has also encouraged citizens to take ownership of their environment and contribute to maintaining a clean and healthy Lagos.
The enforcement of sanitation laws is part of broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to improve public health and environmental sustainability. With a growing population and urbanization challenges, the state is prioritizing measures to ensure a livable and sustainable environment for all residents.
As Lagos State continues to implement its environmental sanitation policies, residents are expected to cooperate with authorities to achieve a cleaner and healthier city. The government’s actions against public urination and defecation offenders serve as a warning to others and a step towards a more sanitary and orderly Lagos.
