Babajide Fadoju
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming waste management through strategic investments in modern infrastructure, recycling initiatives and innovative waste-to-energy projects aimed at building a cleaner and more sustainable city.
Speaking during an interview on TVC Breakfast, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the State is implementing comprehensive reforms to address the growing waste challenge driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth.
He explained that while Lagos already operates an established waste collection system through Private Sector Participants (PSPs), increasing population pressure and ageing infrastructure have created the need for significant upgrades. According to him, the State is investing in new compactor trucks, transfer loading stations and material recovery facilities that will improve waste collection efficiency and reduce dependence on landfills.
Dr. Gbadegesin disclosed that major transfer loading stations are under construction at Ojota and Solous, while integrated material recovery facilities in Ikorodu and Badagry will sort waste into recyclable materials, organic waste and refuse-derived fuel for industrial use. These facilities are expected to process a substantial portion of the waste generated daily across the State.
He also revealed plans for a waste-to-energy plant at the former Epe landfill, which is expected to process about 1,500 tonnes of waste each day and generate between 60 and 80 megawatts of electricity. In addition, the State is developing a biomethane project that will convert organic waste into cleaner fuel for Lagos’ expanding mass transit system.
To reduce pressure on road transport, LAWMA is exploring the movement of waste through Lagos waterways using barges, a system already adopted in several countries to improve efficiency and reduce traffic congestion.
The Managing Director stressed that infrastructure alone cannot solve the waste challenge. He called on residents to embrace responsible waste disposal, comply with environmental laws and support recycling efforts. He also urged citizens to report illegal dumping, noting that environmental enforcement agencies continue to work alongside other security agencies to tackle environmental infractions across the State.
Highlighting the success of the Waste-to-Wealth initiative, Dr. Gbadegesin said LAWMA has begun paying residents for recyclable materials such as plastics, paper, cardboard and metals. The programme is being expanded through community recycling collection centres in partnership with local government councils, creating economic opportunities while reducing waste sent to landfill.
He added that the State will intensify public awareness campaigns through community roadshows, social media engagement and grassroots education to encourage behavioural change and promote environmental responsibility.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr. Gbadegesin called on all Lagosians to play their part in protecting the environment.
“A cleaner Lagos is a shared responsibility. Government will continue to invest in modern waste management infrastructure, but lasting success depends on every resident adopting responsible waste disposal practices and supporting recycling initiatives,” he said.
