The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has attributed the success of the recent statewide environmental sanitation exercise to effective collaboration among agencies, careful planning, and strong public involvement.
LAWMA Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made this known during an interview in Lagos.
He explained that coordination between the agency, Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, local councils, and enforcement bodies played a major role in achieving extensive coverage across the state.
According to him, advance preparations, including the deployment of vehicles, equipment, and personnel, contributed to the smooth execution of the exercise.
Gbadegesin added that waste management facilities such as landfill sites and Transfer Loading Stations were put in optimal condition ahead of the cleanup to ensure efficient handling and movement of refuse.
He also noted that awareness campaigns helped improve public cooperation, while local government areas, development councils, and community leaders actively supported grassroots participation.
He said focused cleanup efforts in markets, highways, and densely populated areas led to visible improvements, supported by real-time supervision and field coordination.
Addressing concerns about uncollected waste in some locations, the LAWMA chief described such reports as inaccurate, stressing that waste removal follows a phased operational process due to the large volume generated.
He explained that evacuation is carried out systematically rather than immediately after the exercise.
According to him, PSP operators began collection activities across all areas soon after the sanitation period ended.
He further stated that the existing waste processing system, including upgraded landfill sites and Transfer Loading Stations, is designed to ensure proper and orderly disposal.
Gbadegesin emphasised that the agency prioritises safe and regulated waste management over rushed clearance of refuse.
He added that field assessments across local councils indicate ongoing evacuation, with monitoring teams deployed to support operators where necessary.
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to maintaining the gains of the exercise through sustained enforcement, continuous evacuation, and public engagement.
Residents were also encouraged to maintain proper waste disposal habits to support a cleaner and healthier environment.