**Lagos Tackles Environmental Crimes: Over 8,000 Residents Prosecuted** The Lagos State Government has taken a tough stance on environmental offenders, prosecuting more than 8,000 residents within the past year for various infractions. Speaking on a television interview, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that the government is leveraging a combination of enforcement measures and behavioral reorientation to address the issue. Wahab emphasized that while sanctions are essential, the government's primary focus is on changing the mindset of residents to achieve lasting compliance. He noted that enforcement actions must be accompanied by awareness campaigns to prevent residents from resorting to open defecation and littering. The commissioner expressed concern that despite significant investments in public infrastructure, some residents continue to ignore sanitation facilities. Lagos boasts over 1,710 public toilets and an additional 8,000 facilities in eateries and fuel stations. However, cases of open defecation persist, particularly along the Lagos-Ogun boundary at Berger. Wahab cited Berger as an example of how enforcement actions can lead to improved public behavior. The area now boasts modern toilet facilities, yet some residents previously preferred open spaces. However, once enforcement and arrests began, compliance significantly improved. Regarding waste management, Wahab highlighted the efforts of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to expand waste collection infrastructure and transition from a linear disposal system to a circular model focused on resource recovery. The state plans to phase out major landfill sites like Olusosun and Solous 3 within the next 18 to 24 months, replacing them with new facilities in Epe and Badagry. The goal is to reduce landfill waste to below five per cent. By taking a multi-faceted approach to addressing environmental crimes, the Lagos State Government hopes to create a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents.