Lagos Court Fines 17 Residents ₦40,000 Each for Open Defecation and Urination in Sanitation Crackdown!

Lagos Court Fines 17 Residents ₦40,000 Each for Open Defecation and Urination in Sanitation Crackdown!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-chief | Sele Media Africa.

Authorities in Lagos have intensified enforcement of environmental sanitation laws after a magistrate court convicted 17 residents for engaging in open defecation and urination in public spaces, imposing a fine of ₦40,000 on each offender.

The offenders were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi. The court found them guilty of violating environmental sanitation regulations and sentenced each offender to pay the fine or serve one month in prison.

The enforcement action was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, who reiterated that open urination and defecation remain environmental offences that pose significant risks to public health and urban hygiene. Authorities say the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to maintain sanitation standards in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

According to LAWMA officials, the convictions highlight the state’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and promoting responsible sanitation practices. The agency stressed that public defecation and indiscriminate waste disposal contribute to disease risks, environmental degradation, and declining urban living standards.

Environmental enforcement has been a consistent priority for Lagos authorities, who have repeatedly warned residents against sanitation violations, including open defecation, illegal dumping of refuse, and littering. The government maintains that penalties and prosecutions are necessary to safeguard public health and preserve human dignity in densely populated urban areas.

Officials also urged residents to make use of available public sanitation facilities and comply with environmental regulations, emphasizing that maintaining a clean environment is a shared civic responsibility.

Sources

The Punch

Africa Press

Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources statements

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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