The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), Mr. Abayomi Hunye, has warned residents of the state against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on highways, major roads and other unauthorised locations, stressing that such acts violate extant environmental laws.
Hunye said offenders would face stiff penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment, as the state government steps up enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations across Ogun State.
According to him, existing laws prescribe a fine of N25,000 for individuals caught dumping waste illegally, adding that the agency would no longer tolerate practices that endanger public health and environmental safety.
He noted that offenders who fail to pay the stipulated fine would be prosecuted in line with the law.
Upon conviction, he said, such persons could be liable to a fine of up to N2 million, a jail term of three months, or both, depending on the severity of the offence.
Hunye emphasised that OGWAMA would not hesitate to initiate legal action against defaulters, describing enforcement as central to the agency’s mandate of ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
The OGWAMA boss spoke on Thursday at a media parley held at the Iwe Iroyin House, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
He urged residents to cooperate with government efforts by adopting proper waste disposal habits and making use of approved waste collection points and licensed operators.
Hunye stressed that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility and requires the active participation of all residents.
At the briefing, he also addressed allegations of extortion recently levelled against him by a group claiming to be members of the Association of Waste Management Vendors and Recyclers of Nigeria (AWMVRN).
The group had earlier staged a protest in Abeokuta, accusing Hunye of extortion, arbitrary levies and attempts to edge out operators in the recycling sector.
However, the Chairman of AWMVRN, Mr. Adesanya Kunle, publicly disowned the protesters, describing them as former members who were suspended in 2023 over alleged fraudulent and unlawful activities.
Responding, Hunye dismissed the allegations as false, baseless and malicious, saying they were aimed at tarnishing his image and that of OGWAMA.
“At no time have I demanded or collected money from any waste operator, directly or indirectly,” he said, adding that the claims were completely unfounded.
He explained that the fee adjustments being referenced were not new, noting that they were implemented in 2024 and amicably resolved with stakeholders.
Hunye expressed surprise that the issue was being resurrected in 2026, long after it had been settled, describing the renewed agitation as suspicious.
He further clarified that OGWAMA does not collect cash, stressing that all payments by operators are made directly into designated Ogun State Government accounts.
The OGWAMA boss reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability and strict adherence to due process, noting that the agency operates strictly within its statutory powers.
Speaking at the event, Adesanya reiterated that the suspended members no longer represented the association, alleging that the protest was motivated by Hunye’s refusal to tolerate corruption and illegal practices.
Hunye called on residents and stakeholders to support OGWAMA’s mandate, warning that environmental laws would henceforth be enforced without fear or favour to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability in the state.
