The Ogun State Government has warned residents against the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainages, streets and other unapproved locations, declaring that violators risk two million naira fine or possible imprisonment.
The warning was issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Waste Management, Hon. Abayomi Hunye, who expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of environmental abuse, particularly in markets across the state.
According to Hunye, the government has, in recent weeks, observed that “most people in markets dump waste indiscriminately, polluting the environment and creating a climate of filth,” a development he said poses serious risks to public health and safety.
He reminded residents of the provisions of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law, 2020, which criminalises improper waste disposal. Quoting Section 34(1) of the law, the government stated that “any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this law commits an offence and on arrest shall pay a penalty of twenty-five thousand naira (₦25,000) to the Authority.”
The law further provides that failure to pay the initial penalty, upon conviction by a court, attracts “a maximum fine of two million naira (₦2,000,000) or three months’ imprisonment or both.”
The government noted that despite the availability of designated waste bins and disposal points in all approved markets, many traders and residents still engage in illegal dumping.
“All the approved markets in the state have designated areas and containers for refuse disposal, but many people habitually dump refuse anywhere they choose, putting public health in jeopardy,” the statement read.
Hunye stressed that the state would no longer tolerate what he described as a “pernicious practice,” adding that enforcement would now be carried out strictly.
“There’s a law against this and henceforth, the State Government will not hesitate to implement the provisions and bring sanity to the state,” he said.
The government urged residents to cooperate with environmental officials and comply with waste disposal regulations in order to promote a cleaner and healthier Ogun State.