Residents within the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State could face a N50,000 fine or a potential six-month prison sentence if a new environmental bye-law is passed. The proposed mandate requires every household to maintain a waste bin or drum outside their property.
The regulation was introduced as part of an amendment bill during the council’s Sixth Assembly Legislative Week. A public hearing was held to allow stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious figures, and community members, to review and contribute to the legislation before its final adoption.
Majority Leader Rahman Ademola stated that the update aims to address deficiencies in the current legal framework. The bill seeks to prohibit open defecation and illegal waste disposal, in addition to the requirement for household trash containers. Once approved by the council chairman, the new rules will be distributed to local police and associations to ensure public compliance. An environmental task force is expected to oversee enforcement.
Council Chairman Adetola Adunni-Abubakar supported the initiative, noting that governance must focus on both infrastructure projects and the general well-being of the population. She highlighted the necessity of cooperation between the legislative and executive branches to ensure that laws are both practical and responsive to the needs of the community.
