Residents of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State may soon be required by law to keep an approved waste bin outside their homes, with penalties of up to ₦50,000 or six months' imprisonment for non-compliance. The proposed amendment to the council's environmental bye-law is currently before the legislative arm and aims to strengthen sanitation enforcement across the LCDA.
Mandatory waste bins for every household
Under the proposed by-law, every residential building within Agboyi-Ketu LCDA must provide and maintain a standard waste drum or bin in front of the property. Failure to do so or dumping refuse in unauthorized locations could result in a ₦50,000 fine or a prison sentence of up to six months. The bill also criminalizes open defecation in public places, open spaces, or drainage channels, as well as dumping construction materials or debris in prohibited areas.
The proposal was presented during a public hearing held as part of the Agboyi-Ketu LCDA Legislative Week. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, market representatives, and residents contributed their views before the bill proceeds to the next stage.
Council plans awareness campaign, enforcement
Majority Leader of the Agboyi-Ketu Legislative House, Rahman Ademola, stated that the council will launch an extensive public awareness campaign before enforcement begins. 'There will be no excuse of ignorance because Agboyi-Ketu has an environmental task force that will enforce the law,' Ademola said during the hearing. The task force will patrol communities, inspect residential compounds, and apprehend violators. Copies of the law will be distributed to police stations, markets, and Community Development Associations (CDAs) after it receives assent.
LCDA Chairman Adetola Adunni-Abubakar backed the proposal, emphasizing that environmental sanitation is essential to sustainable development, public health, and economic growth. If stakeholders reach a final consensus, the bill is expected to be signed into law on July 15, 2026.
Part of wider Lagos crackdown on waste
The Agboyi-Ketu proposal aligns with Lagos State's intensified enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently warned residents about overflowing waste on streets, urging them to take responsibility by paying licensed Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators. The state government also clarified plans for the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) after concerns it would function as a 'waste police.' Additionally, the government partnered with transport unions to establish a joint environmental task force to identify offenders and discourage illegal dumping.
Lagos generates an estimated 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, straining collection systems, landfills, and drainage infrastructure. State authorities argue that stricter enforcement, combined with improved waste management practices, is necessary to reduce indiscriminate dumping, prevent flooding during rainy seasons, and protect public health. Just days before the Agboyi-Ketu proposal, the Oshodi Special Offences and Mobile Court sentenced 16 environmental offenders to four months' imprisonment for dumping refuse on highway medians.
If signed, the Agboyi-Ketu amendment will become one of the latest local measures supporting Lagos State's broader campaign to improve environmental sanitation and hold residents accountable for proper waste disposal.
