The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has withdrawn the licences of five Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators over poor performance, as part of efforts to improve waste collection across the state.
The decision was announced on Saturday by the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in a statement made available in Lagos. He said the move followed a detailed review of the operations of waste contractors working under the PSP system.
According to him, the affected operators failed to meet the service standards required by the authority, making it necessary to revoke their licences in the interest of public health and environmental safety.
The operators whose licences were withdrawn include Kenny JPS operating in Igando-Ikotun (Egan II); Clean Craft Nigeria Limited covering Igando-Ikotun (Isheri-Oshun I); Doveroost Limited in Eti-Osa West; Dewayls operating in Orade (Ijegun Emure); and Pesjoy Ventures in Ejigbo (Bucknor II).
Gbadegesin explained that the action is part of a wider plan to strengthen waste management in Lagos, a state with a rapidly growing population and increasing waste generation.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, produces thousands of tonnes of waste daily. Managing this waste has remained a major challenge for authorities, especially as new residential and commercial areas continue to emerge.
To address these challenges, the state government introduced the PSP model, which allows private operators to handle waste collection in different parts of the state under the supervision of LAWMA. However, concerns have persisted over the performance of some operators, with residents in some areas complaining about irregular collection and poor service.
Gbadegesin said the latest review was aimed at ensuring that only capable operators remain in the system.
“We carried out a comprehensive operational review to align operator capacity with the growing waste management demands of Lagos State,” he said.
He added that the authority also carried out a realignment of waste collection routes in areas experiencing rapid development and increased waste output.
Under the new arrangement, some existing operators will continue to manage parts of their routes, while additional operators have been introduced to support them and ensure better service delivery.
“In locations where development has outpaced the capacity of a single operator, it becomes necessary to redistribute operational responsibilities,” Gbadegesin said.
He listed areas affected by the route adjustments, including Isolo (Ishaga/Ire Akari axis), where Shekaz Global Limited operates, and Ikorodu (Lowa), managed by Krestabol Waste Management.
According to him, the changes are expected to improve efficiency by ensuring that no operator is overwhelmed by the volume of waste in their assigned areas.
Gbadegesin also revealed that some operators voluntarily gave up parts of their routes to allow for better coverage. These include Ayolade Oluwabukola Enterprises in Lagos Island East (Ajele axis) and Imperium Waste Services in Ayobo/Ipaja.
He said the authority reassigned these areas to other operators with the capacity to handle the workload more effectively.
The LAWMA boss described the restructuring as a strategic step to improve accountability within the PSP system and ensure that residents receive timely and reliable waste collection services.
He noted that maintaining a clean environment is critical for public health, especially in a densely populated city like Lagos, where poor waste disposal can lead to flooding, pollution, and the spread of diseases.
Over the years, Lagos has experienced several environmental challenges linked to improper waste management. Blocked drainage systems caused by accumulated waste have often led to flooding during the rainy season, while uncollected refuse has contributed to unsanitary conditions in some communities.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA remains committed to addressing these issues through strict monitoring and enforcement of standards among PSP operators.
He urged residents to cooperate with the newly assigned operators and to ensure they use only LAWMA-accredited PSP services for waste disposal.
“We appeal to residents to support these changes and to work with the assigned operators in their areas,” he said.
He also encouraged members of the public to report any cases of poor service or illegal waste disposal to the authority for prompt action.
However, some residents have expressed cautious optimism, saying they hope the changes will lead to more consistent waste collection in their areas.
For many Lagosians, efficient waste management is not just about cleanliness but also about quality of life. Poor waste disposal can affect health, property, and daily living conditions.
As Lagos continues to grow, experts say the demand for effective waste management will only increase, making it necessary for authorities to constantly review and improve existing systems.
The latest action by LAWMA signals a stricter approach to managing waste collection and ensuring that operators deliver on their responsibilities.
Gbadegesin reaffirmed that the authority will continue to engage stakeholders, monitor performance, and enforce regulations to achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos.