The Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, revealed that 90 per cent of waste in Lagos is worth about $2.5 billion.
He urged residents to sort and hand over waste to recyclers or others who can reuse it. He said, “Waste-to-wealth is key to Lagos’ survival. Visit Olusosun and Soluos 3, and you will see the potential.”
Dr. Gbadegesin said the state government plans to ban landfill sites. Consequently, Olusosun and Soluos 3 will close within 18 months, with two months already elapsed. He added that the government is optimising current facilities to maintain sanitation standards during the transition.
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The Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, reminded residents to maintain high sanitation standards during the Yuletide. Since festive activities generate more waste, residents must sort, bag, and deposit all waste, including food and animal waste, at designated collection points. Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators will then evacuate it efficiently.
Discouraging Cart Pushers and Promoting Reporting
Wahab warned residents not to use cart pushers, explaining that such practices disrupt LAWMA’s system and harm the environment. In addition, he encouraged residents to report illegal dumping, black spots, and other sanitation violations through LAWMA’s customer care lines.
Dr. Gbadegesin stressed that anyone caught dumping waste in drainage channels or unauthorised locations would face prosecution. Therefore, residents must embrace waste separation and responsible disposal. “We must stop throwing everything away and start sorting,” he said.
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LAWMA plans to recruit 377 environmental health officers, known as “wole-wole,” starting January 2026. These officers will deploy to every ward in Lagos. Moreover, they will have legal authority to arrest and prosecute offenders, boosting the state’s sanitation enforcement.
Both officials stressed that cooperation between residents and the government is essential. With proper waste management and strict adherence to sanitation laws, Lagos can remain cleaner, healthier, and flood-free.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
