The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified efforts to tackle recurrent waste blackspots across the state through a combination of increased waste evacuation, improved collection services, enforcement, infrastructure upgrades and community engagement.
The initiative is aimed at addressing the underlying operational and behavioural factors responsible for the repeated return of waste to previously cleared locations.
The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the Authority was moving beyond repeated evacuation to a more sustainable approach that addresses the causes of waste recurrence. He explained that the strategy involves closing service gaps, strengthening enforcement against indiscriminate dumping and illegal waste collection, and deploying measures to prevent redumping after clearance.
He cited Ayobo-Ipaja, Mushin and Odi-Olowo as areas where the approach was being implemented through sustained evacuation, enforcement and improved access to waste collection services.
Gbadegesin also highlighted the recent upgrade of critical infrastructure at the Olusosun Disposal Facility, noting that improved access and truck turnaround had enhanced the efficiency of the waste evacuation chain.
He added that LAWMA was strengthening its collaboration with Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators through reforms focused on route management, service delivery, fleet capacity, technology-driven monitoring and accountability, while enforcement was being intensified against illegal operators, unauthorised markets and activities that contribute to indiscriminate dumping.
The LAWMA boss stressed that sustainable waste management required the cooperation of residents, businesses, markets, PSP operators and communities, particularly in promoting responsible waste disposal practices. He said the state’s long-term objective remained the development of a circular economy through initiatives such as transfer loading stations, material recovery facilities, waste-to-wealth and waste-to-energy projects.
Gbadegesin urged residents to patronise approved waste collection services, report service gaps and desist from indiscriminate dumping, emphasising that keeping Lagos clean remained a shared responsibility.
