The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has vowed to take stronger action against illegal waste dumping across the state, launching a two-pronged approach that combines strict enforcement of environmental laws with innovative waste management solutions. In an effort to combat the growing challenge of indiscriminate waste disposal, the agency has set its sights on ensuring full compliance with waste management laws while also exploring new ways to improve waste collection and recycling.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, made the agency’s commitment clear during an appearance on Lagos Talks 91.3 FM with The Guru, where he outlined the steps being taken to address the issue of illegal waste dumping. According to Dr. Gbadegesin, LAWMA’s surveillance and enforcement teams are working around the clock to track down offenders and enforce environmental regulations.
“We have about 50 cases in court where violators of the law are being prosecuted for illegal waste dumping. Our enforcement team, in partnership with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), has stepped up its monitoring efforts to ensure these offenders face the full weight of the law,” Dr. Gbadegesin said, emphasizing that the agency’s primary goal is to serve as a deterrent for people who disregard the rules.
LAWMA’s enforcement team has already made significant progress in combating illegal waste dumping. Over 300 illegal waste carts have been seized, and they are now set to be destroyed. Dr. Gbadegesin pointed out that investigations revealed that many of those caught dumping waste were either new to Lagos or had willfully ignored the laws in place. “We are taking a firm stance against this trend,” he stated, noting that the agency’s surveillance teams work both day and night to catch those who flout the rules.
The issue of illegal waste dumping is not a new one in Lagos. With the state’s rapid urbanization and population growth, waste management has become a persistent challenge. In many areas, the sheer volume of waste generated daily has overwhelmed existing systems, leading some residents to resort to illegal dumping as a way to dispose of their trash. The government’s response, led by LAWMA, is aimed at restoring order and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
Beyond enforcement, Dr. Gbadegesin highlighted LAWMA’s efforts to implement innovative waste management solutions that focus on reducing the state’s reliance on landfills. One such initiative is the Waste-to-Wealth and Circular Economy programs, which aim to find value in what is typically considered waste. The program encourages recycling and the transformation of waste into reusable products, with a focus on creating economic opportunities for Lagosians.
“We started to ask ourselves, are these things we are throwing away actually waste, or can we derive value from them? Now, we have a glass recycling plant in Lagos, and people are beginning to see the economic potential in materials like PET bottles,” Dr. Gbadegesin explained. The program has already gained traction in some parts of Lagos, with residents and businesses becoming more aware of the value that can be extracted from recyclable materials. This shift in mindset is crucial for reducing waste and promoting sustainability across the state.
One of the more recent initiatives that LAWMA has rolled out is the introduction of tricycle compactors in areas that are difficult to access with conventional waste collection trucks. These compactors are already being used in Ibeju Lekki, an area known for its poorly maintained roads. Dr. Gbadegesin revealed that plans are in place to extend this service to other parts of Lagos in the coming weeks. “The idea is to make waste collection more accessible, especially in areas where regular compactors struggle due to bad roads,” he said. Once fully implemented, the new waste collection service will operate on a “Pay as you go” system, which will allow residents to pay for waste collection services based on their usage.
LAWMA is also addressing the issue of marine waste. With Lagos being a coastal city, waste management along its coastline, lagoons, and drainage channels is crucial. The agency’s marine waste team has been working tirelessly to clean up waste from areas like Five Cowries Creek, where plastic and other debris frequently accumulate. In addition, LAWMA has expanded its medical waste management system to not only cover hospitals but also businesses like hairdressers and beauticians that generate human tissue waste. This initiative aims to ensure that all types of waste are disposed of properly, without posing a risk to public health or the environment.
Despite these innovations and efforts, Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized that LAWMA cannot succeed in its mission alone. He stressed that every Lagos resident has a role to play in maintaining a cleaner environment. From disposing of waste properly through accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to cleaning gutters in front of homes, the agency is calling on all Lagosians to be more responsible. He also urged residents to sort their waste at the source, separating recyclables from non-recyclables, to help streamline the waste management process.
“We want residents to comply with waste disposal regulations and report any challenges with collection services to LAWMA instead of resorting to illegal dumping,” he said. The agency is also encouraging the public to take ownership of their environment and avoid the temptation to illegally dump waste, which only worsens the problem.
Dr. Gbadegesin’s comments reflect a broader vision for Lagos that combines strict enforcement with innovative, sustainable waste management solutions. While the road to a cleaner Lagos may be challenging, the commitment from LAWMA and other stakeholders signals a concerted effort to address the environmental issues the state faces.
As the population of Lagos continues to grow, it is likely that waste management will remain a key issue for the government. However, with the combination of stricter enforcement and innovative initiatives, there is hope that the state can reduce the burden of waste and ultimately build a more sustainable and cleaner environment for its residents.
The ongoing efforts by LAWMA are a step in the right direction, but the success of these programs will depend on the cooperation of all Lagosians in taking responsibility for their waste and adhering to the laws put in place to protect the environment.
