Following reports of residents attempting to collect spilled fuel in Apapa, Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned the act, emphasizing the grave risks to human life and public safety.
Speaking on Monday during the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at Lagos House, Ikeja, the governor described fuel scooping as a highly dangerous activity and warned that the state government would intensify enforcement measures to prevent similar incidents.
Sanwo-Olu commended emergency responders and police officers for their swift action in securing the scene and averting a potential disaster. He urged residents to refrain from reckless behaviour, stressing that the state would leave no stone unturned in protecting lives and property.
Linking the incident to broader issues of indiscipline, the governor said the government plans to strengthen penalties for environmental and safety violations, including illegal dumping of refuse.
“LAWMA has been instructed not only to apprehend offenders but also ensure they face prosecution for violations”, he said.
He revealed that the 2026 budget includes expanded funding for the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), with provisions for more compactor trucks and modern equipment.
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