The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to boost wealth creation from waste by overhauling key infrastructure within the state’s waste management value chain.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made this known on Wednesday in Lagos.
He explained that waste management challenges in the state were largely linked to infrastructure gaps, stressing that a fast-growing megacity like Lagos requires constant upgrades to its waste transfer and recovery facilities.
Gbadegesin said the ongoing rehabilitation of Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) would enhance waste evacuation, increase material recovery, ease pressure on disposal sites, and attract greater private sector participation.
According to him, the initiative is in line with the state’s drive to promote recycling and advance a circular economy.
He praised the efforts of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, describing their work as demanding but vital to maintaining environmental cleanliness across Lagos.
The LAWMA chief assured residents that the authority would continue to provide back-up support to PSP operators, particularly in difficult operational areas.
Gbadegesin described illegal dumping as a reckless practice often associated with informal settlements and unauthorised locations, warning that it posed serious threats to public health and the environment.
He reiterated the need for residents to properly bag their waste, register with accredited PSP operators and pay for waste collection services to ensure efficient service delivery.
The LAWMA boss also revealed that the authority is piloting a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, where a biodigester is being used to convert organic waste into energy.
He said the project highlights the practical gains of adopting circular economy principles in waste management.
Gbadegesin added that LAWMA would sustain strict enforcement against environmental violations, with increased efforts to prosecute offenders.
He urged residents to shun indiscriminate waste disposal and promptly report environmental infractions to the appropriate authorities to help keep the state clean and safe.