LAWMA and Stakeholders Push for Enhanced Waste Management Systems in Lagos
Experts from the waste management sector have issued a strong appeal to the government to establish a comprehensive system that ensures efficient waste collection, proper sorting, and effective transportation to designated dumpsites. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable environment in Lagos State, addressing the critical needs of its rapidly growing population.
Call for Shared Responsibility and Investment
During the 2026 quarterly forum of the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) held in Lagos, stakeholders emphasized that successful waste management requires a collaborative effort among residents, operators, and governmental bodies. They highlighted the urgent necessity to increase investments in waste infrastructure to keep pace with Lagos's ever-expanding demographic, which now exceeds 22 million people.
Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), underscored the significance of waste management as a pivotal aspect of urban governance. Represented by Kunle Adebiyi, the Executive Director of Finance at LAWMA, Gbadegesin pointed out that effective waste management has profound implications for public health, flood mitigation, environmental sustainability, and the overall operational efficiency of the city.
Current Operations and Challenges
Gbadegesin detailed that over 450 licensed Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators are currently engaged in collecting household waste across Lagos under a structured, area-based system regulated by LAWMA. However, he stressed that the system's efficacy hinges not only on operational efficiency but also on the active cooperation of residents. This includes adopting proper waste disposal methods and consistently supporting assigned PSP operators.
He issued a warning against the persistent issues of indiscriminate dumping and the patronage of illegal cart pushers, which continue to sabotage structured waste management efforts. These practices contribute to environmental problems such as blocked drainage systems and increased flooding, exacerbating the city's challenges.
Shift Towards Sustainable Practices
Beyond mere waste evacuation, Gbadegesin revealed that Lagos State is progressively advancing towards more sustainable waste practices. This includes initiatives focused on sorting, recycling, and resource recovery, marking a transition towards a more efficient and value-driven waste management framework. He emphasized that waste should be viewed not just as a disposal issue but as a valuable resource that can stimulate economic activity and enhance environmental sustainability when managed correctly.
Additional Recommendations from Stakeholders
Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, Chairman of PEWAN, highlighted the significant waste management hurdles faced by Lagos as a dynamic megacity. She advocated for:
- Increased investment in modern waste treatment facilities
- Expansion of collection services to underserved areas
- Implementation of effective waste segregation programs and public awareness campaigns
- Deployment of smart bins to optimize waste management processes
- Strengthened partnerships with the private sector and local communities
Dr. Olugbenga Adebola, President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, added to the discourse by calling for the establishment of functional Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to enhance waste sorting capabilities. He also urged for the formal integration of informal sector operators into the waste collection system, ensuring a more inclusive and efficient approach.
This collective push from LAWMA and industry experts underscores a critical moment for Lagos to revamp its waste management strategies, aiming for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment.
