By Rasheeda Hamidu
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has cleared illegal structures, traders and accumulated waste at the Alaba Rago setback along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway in a sanitation enforcement operation aimed at restoring environmental order and improving cleanliness along the corridor.
The authority carried out the exercise on Saturday as part of ongoing enforcement operations targeting illegal occupation of road setbacks and indiscriminate waste disposal along major routes in Lagos State.
LAWMA said the clearance became necessary due to persistent obstruction of sanitation activities and environmental degradation caused by unregulated trading and waste dumping in the area.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, explained that the operation focused on removing illegal structures and activities that had taken over the expressway setback.
He noted that such encroachments undermine sanitation management efforts and reduce the effectiveness of environmental control measures in densely populated urban corridors.
According to LAWMA, road setbacks are not designated for trading or settlement and must remain clear to support environmental management, drainage protection and public safety.
The agency stated that the clearance exercise was also intended to improve access along the corridor and reduce environmental risks associated with unmanaged waste accumulation.
LAWMA added that enforcement operations would continue across Lagos State to ensure compliance with environmental sanitation regulations and prevent the re-encroachment of cleared areas.
The authority further urged residents and traders to make use of approved waste disposal systems and designated commercial spaces to avoid environmental infractions.
The development reflects ongoing efforts by Lagos environmental authorities to improve urban sanitation, reduce waste-related risks and strengthen compliance with environmental laws across the state.
