LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has shut down two popular facilities in the state for illegally releasing untreated wastewater into public drains, intensifying enforcement on environmental safety.
The crackdown targeted Balmoral Convention Centre in Victoria Island, and Foodies Restaurant, located in Lekki Phase 1 for actions that threaten public safety, damaged drainage systems, and exposed residents to harmful conditions.
According to the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Balmoral Convention Centre was closed after inspectors found it pumping untreated sewage directly into public drains.
Officials also reported wastewater overflow from a blocked sewage chamber, which created foul odours and environmental hazards in the area.
Similarly, Foodies Restaurant was sealed for discharging untreated wastewater containing fat and oil into drainage systems.
The agency said this practice clogged drains, worsened pollution, and contributed to persistent bad smells in the neighborhood.
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Despite repeated warnings from environmental agencies, authorities said the restaurant failed to comply with proper waste management standards.
“The indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastewater into public drains is a violation of environmental laws and constitutes a public nuisance,” the agency stated.
Regulators stressed that poor wastewater handling can increase health risks by contaminating the environment and weakening sanitation systems.
Residents and business owners have been urged to follow approved waste disposal practices to prevent further damage.
The agency warned that enforcement will continue across the state, with violators facing penalties or prosecution under environmental laws.
Ultimately, LSWMO reiterated its commitment to protecting public health, reducing pollution, and improving living conditions across Lagos.
