LAWMA CALLS FOR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY IN LAGOS WASTE MANAGEMENT
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has stressed that effective waste management in Lagos requires shared responsibility among residents, operators, and the government.
He made this known while presenting a paper at the annual conference of the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) held at NECA House, Alausa CBD, on Wednesday, where he addressed the challenges of managing waste in a megacity with a population exceeding 22 million.
Dr. Gbadegesin, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance, Kunle Adebiyi, described waste management as a critical urban governance issue with significant implications for public health, flood control, environmental sustainability, and overall city functionality.
He explained that household waste collection across Lagos is handled by licensed Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators under a structured, area-based system regulated by LAWMA, noting that over 450 operators currently serve communities across the state.
According to him, the effectiveness of the system depends not only on operational efficiency but also on residents’ cooperation in proper waste disposal and patronage of assigned PSP operators.
He warned that indiscriminate dumping of refuse and reliance on illegal cart pushers continue to undermine organised waste management efforts, contributing to environmental problems such as blocked drainage systems and flooding.
Dr. Gbadegesin noted that as a coastal and highly urbanised city, Lagos must adopt a more disciplined and forward-thinking approach, as improperly managed waste often ends up in canals, lagoons, and other water bodies.
He added that beyond waste evacuation, the state is gradually embracing more sustainable practices such as waste sorting, recycling, and resource recovery as part of efforts to build a more efficient and value-driven system.
According to him, this shift reflects a growing recognition that waste should not only be treated as a disposal challenge but also as a resource capable of supporting economic activity and environmental sustainability when properly managed.
The LAWMA boss also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve efficiency through enhanced monitoring, operational strategies, and better coordination among PSP operators and other stakeholders in the waste management value chain.
He further underscored the role of the media in influencing public behaviour and perception, urging journalists to provide deeper context in their reporting and promote responsible environmental practices.
Dr. Gbadegesin maintained that achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos would require sustained collaboration among the government, PSP operators, communities, and the media.
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