Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has revealed that about 90 per cent of the waste generated and discarded in Lagos holds an estimated value of $2.5 billion.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos and urged residents to stop indiscriminate waste disposal, warning that offenders caught dumping refuse on roads, in drainage channels, or other unauthorized locations will face strict penalties in line with state sanitation laws.

Gbadegesin emphasized the need for residents to begin sorting their waste, noting that Lagos must move away from the habit of “throwing everything away” and embrace global best practices in recycling.

“Ninety percent of what you throw away has value—up to $2.5 billion. We must start sorting that waste, collecting it, and giving it to those who need it. Waste-to-wealth is key to Lagos’ survival. A visit to Olusosun and Solous 3 dumpsites will confirm this,” he said.

Decommissioning of Landfills Underway

The LAWMA MD disclosed that the state government has commenced the process of decommissioning the Olusosun and Solous 3 landfills within the next 18 months, a move aimed at transitioning Lagos away from open landfill dependence.

“We have already used two months out of the 18. We are committed to decommissioning them,” he noted.

377 Environmental Health Officers to Be Recruited

As part of a renewed enforcement strategy, Gbadegesin announced plans to recruit 377 environmental health officers (wole-wole) starting January 2026.
Each ward in Lagos will receive one officer, empowered by law to arrest, prosecute, and even recommend jail terms for sanitation offenders.

Waste Generation and Infrastructure Deficit

Lagos generates 13,000–15,000 tonnes of waste daily. Of this, 4,000–5,000 tonnes are collected by 450 Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators.

The remainder, he lamented, ends up in drains, canals, lagoons, wetlands, and other unauthorized areas—contributing to flooding and environmental degradation.

He identified infrastructure deficits as the biggest challenge in the state’s waste management chain.

“We lack adequate equipment and facilities for collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal. Even with 80,000 smart bins being rolled out, Lagos needs far more.”

The state, he added, requires at least 2,000 compactor trucks, split evenly between day-to-day operations and backup.

Strengthening Local Government Collaboration

Gbadegesin said LAWMA is working closely with council chairmen, and at least 25 LGAs have set up waste management task forces to support enforcement and local sanitation efforts.

New Waste Management Plan and Billing System

The Lagos State Government is implementing a 10-year waste management development plan that includes procuring 100 new CNG compactor trucks next year.

A statewide automated billing system will also be introduced, where residents will receive waste bills directly from the state government. PSP operators will be paid only upon verified service delivery.

“We believe Lagos residents are willing to pay for waste collection if they receive quality service. Transparency and accountability are our priority,” he said.

PSP Sanctions and New Tricycle Compactor System

Gbadegesin disclosed that 22 PSP operators have been dismissed this year for underperformance, and their slots reassigned.

To tackle waste collection in areas with narrow or inaccessible roads, the state plans to acquire 500 mobile compactor tricycles by mid-2026.

He said the pilot project in Ibeju-Lekki, run in collaboration with local authorities and private entrepreneurs, has recorded remarkable success.

“We intend to replicate the tricycle compactor system across Lagos. PSP operators can adopt it and even absorb cart pushers as trained workers to create a more efficient system.”