By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State has proposed a new environmental law that would make it compulsory for every household to keep a waste bin or drum outside its premises, with violators facing a fine of N50,000 or up to six months in prison.
The proposal formed part of an amendment bill presented during the council’s Legislative Week and was subjected to public scrutiny at a stakeholders’ hearing attended by traditional rulers, market leaders, religious groups and community representatives.
According to the council’s lawmakers, the proposed legislation is aimed at improving sanitation standards and addressing environmental practices that contribute to pollution and public health risks.
Majority Leader of the Sixth Assembly, Rahman Ademola, said the review of the existing bye-laws was necessary to close identified loopholes and introduce stronger measures to keep the council clean.
He explained that the bill would prohibit open defecation, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and the disposal of construction waste or debris in unauthorised locations.
It would also make it mandatory for every residential building to provide a designated waste container.
Ademola said residents were invited to the public hearing to ensure they had the opportunity to contribute to the proposed law before its passage, adding that no one would be able to claim ignorance once it comes into force.
He disclosed that, if approved and signed into law by the LCDA chairman, copies of the legislation would be distributed across police stations, markets and community associations, while the council’s environmental task force would oversee enforcement.
Under the proposed law, any household found without a waste bin or drum, or anyone caught disposing of refuse in prohibited places, could be prosecuted and, upon conviction, fined N50,000 or sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Adetola Adunni-Abubakar, said the council was committed to policies that improve both physical infrastructure and the overall well-being of residents.
She noted that while projects such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities and waste management systems remain important, local governments must also enact practical laws and programmes that improve living conditions and stimulate community development.
The council chairman further urged sustained cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of the LCDA, saying effective governance depends on strong collaboration and laws that reflect the needs and aspirations of residents.
