By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

Ahead of the monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 27, the Lagos State Government has jailed 13 persons for indiscriminate dumping of refuse in violation of environmental sanitation laws.

The offenders were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, on charges relating to illegal waste disposal and pleaded guilty to the offences.

Following their guilty pleas, the court convicted and sentenced each of them to three months’ imprisonment.

The convictions were disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Tuesday via his verified X account.

He said the action underscored the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment for residents.

According to the commissioner, the prosecution of environmental offenders forms part of efforts to discourage indiscriminate waste disposal and promote compliance with sanitation regulations across the state.

Wahab, on Wednesday, urged residents to participate actively in the monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise scheduled to hold on Saturday.

He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s admonition to residents to clean their homes, surroundings, drainage channels, markets, business premises and public spaces within their communities.

The government stressed that proper waste disposal, regular environmental maintenance and adherence to sanitation guidelines are essential to preventing flooding, reducing environmental hazards and promoting public health.

“A cleaner and healthier Lagos is a collective responsibility,” Wahab said, urging residents, community leaders, market associations and business operators to support the sanitation exercise and contribute to building a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.

The convicted persons are Jamiu Abdulkareem, Nwosu Martin, Abduljamiu Wasiu, Habeeb Muhammed, Kolawole Elijah, Anum Musa, Adeniyi Jamiu, Taiwo Olaniyi, Ali Muhammed, Paul Yaya, Damilare Adebowale, Ojo Fatai and Abah Musa.