Lagos State Government Seals Residence in Lekki Estate Over Illegal Wastewater Discharge
Trending: Crackdown on Environmental Violations in Lagos
As environmental enforcement intensifies in Nigeria’s commercial capital, the Lagos State Government has sealed a residential building in an upscale Lekki estate for deliberately discharging untreated wastewater into public drains, posing serious health and ecological risks. The action, taken on September 6, 2025, following a public complaint on social media, highlights the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward pollution amid rising concerns over urban sanitation and disease outbreaks in densely populated areas like Lagos.
Swift Action on a Public Complaint
The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) sealed off No. 11, Major Bolaji Ariyo Street, off Afoluke Avenue, in TPDC Estate, Lekki, Eti-Osa Local Government Area. The enforcement came after a viral video posted on X by a resident under the handle @Bond_not_james, showing stagnant water around the building that had become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to illnesses in the neighborhood. The footage depicted improper waste disposal, including wastewater being dumped directly into surrounding areas.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the sealing on X, stating, “Following the public complaint by @Bond_not_james, we have acted decisively at TPDC Estate.” He detailed that the residents were using unauthorized methods to release untreated wastewater, causing public nuisance, environmental pollution, and endangering human lives. “Improper disposal of waste poses serious environmental and public health risks, and we will not tolerate such violations,” Wahab added. “Our duty is to protect the environment and ensure that Lagos remains clean, safe, and livable for all.”
The building remains sealed until the owners rectify the violations, including installing proper wastewater treatment systems and obtaining necessary approvals. No arrests were made, but the state emphasized that legal action could follow if compliance is not achieved.
Background: Lagos’ Ongoing Battle Against Pollution
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city with over 20 million residents, grapples with severe waste management challenges, generating about 13,000 metric tons of solid waste daily and facing frequent wastewater overflows during rainy seasons. Illegal discharges into drains, roads, and lagoons exacerbate flooding, contaminate water sources, and spread diseases like cholera and malaria, which claimed thousands of lives in Nigeria in 2024, per World Health Organization data.
The LSWMO, established under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017, leads these efforts, focusing on sustainable wastewater management from collection to safe disposal. This incident is part of a broader crackdown: In May 2025, a three-storey building in Ilasan, Lekki, was sealed for similar nighttime pumping of faecal matter into drains. July saw two Ikoyi properties shut for obstructing inspections and releasing sewage. In August, Myca 7 Court in Van Daniel Estate, Lekki, faced the same fate. These actions underscore the government’s shift to a circular economy model, turning waste into resources for energy and recycling.
Whistleblower reports, like the one from @Bond_not_james, have been pivotal, with Wahab commending public vigilance. “We commend the whistleblower and call on all Lagosians to support our environmental protection efforts,” he said. The law mandates confidentiality for reporters and swift responses to prevent escalation.
Impact: Health Risks and Broader Enforcement
The illegal discharge not only breeds mosquitoes but also risks contaminating the lagoon, affecting marine life and nearby communities. In Lekki, a high-end area with luxury estates, such violations undermine property values and resident safety, contributing to a 15% rise in waterborne diseases in Eti-Osa LGA in 2024, according to state health reports.
The sealing disrupts the residents’ daily lives, potentially leading to fines up to N500,000 or imprisonment under the 2017 law. It serves as a deterrent, aligning with Lagos’ #ZeroWasteLagos initiative, which aims to reduce pollution through education and infrastructure upgrades like new treatment plants.
Next Steps: Compliance and Public Involvement
Owners must engage certified professionals to install compliant systems, such as soakaways or connections to the state’s wastewater network, before unsealing. The LSWMO plans intensified surveillance in estates, with drone monitoring and community audits. Wahab urged, “Adopt proper wastewater disposal and sanitation practices—environmental infractions will not be tolerated.”
Residents are encouraged to report violations via the LAWMA app, toll-free line (08000052662), or X (@followlawma). The government assures confidentiality and quick action to foster a collaborative clean-up.
Conclusion: A Cleaner Lagos Through Vigilance
The sealing of the Lekki residence exemplifies Lagos State’s commitment to environmental stewardship, turning a single complaint into immediate justice. By addressing illegal waste discharge head-on, the government protects public health and sustainability. The takeaway for Lagosians: Stay vigilant, report issues promptly, and embrace responsible practices—together, we can build a greener, healthier megacity.