The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has scaled up operational activities to tackle the challenge of marine waste along the Lagos coastline, in commemoration of this year’s World Cleanup Day, with the theme: “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter”.
To this end, it has intensified efforts to rid water bodies in the state of waste debris, through the deployment of marine waste operatives, to mitigate the environmental and health hazards posed by marine litter along the coastline.
According to the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Lagos with a thriving coastal ecosystem, faces significant challenge of indiscriminate dumping of waste into its rivers, canals, and lagoons, leading to growing accumulation of marine litter, threatening the state’s rich biodiversity and human health.
He said, “We are deeply concerned about the rising level of waste that finds its way into our waterways. Marine pollution is not only a local issue, but also a global challenge, especially for cities along the coast like Lagos. LAWMA is committed to ensuring that we rid our water bodies of the litter that endangers both human and marine life”.
Gbadegesin stated that LAWMA had spearheaded an initiative aimed at combating marine waste, with the agency’s Marine Waste department, playing a pivotal role in clearing waste from Lagos waterways using specialised boats and equipment, with the efforts further supported by community sensitisation programs, to educate residents on proper waste disposal and recycling, particularly in coastal areas.
“Our Marine Waste Unit has recorded tremendous success, removing tons of waste from our waterways. But this challenge requires collective responsibility. We urge residents, especially those living in coastal and riverine communities, to be more responsible in waste management. Every piece of litter that ends up in the water poses a serious threat to our environment”, he added.
The LAWMA boss said that, as part of activities for this year’s World Clean-up Day, the Authority organised clean-up campaigns across waterfronts in the state, urging the populace to show a sense of responsibility in the quest to preserve aquatic and human lives in the metropolis.
He said further that the Authority would embark on motorised advocacy in the coming days, in Lekki and Ajah axis, to sensitise residents on the dangers inherent in dumping waste indiscriminately, especially in water bodies.
“World Cleanup Day is an opportunity for everyone to take direct action. Our waterways are a vital part of Lagos’ identity, and it’s our collective duty to protect them. I urge all residents to join us in cleaning up the city, not just because its world cleanup day but we should make it a habit. It’s not just about today; it’s about instilling long-term habits that prevent waste from reaching our water bodies”, Gbadegesin stressed.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.) Director, Public Affairs 20/09/2024
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has called for the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging materials by food processing companies, as an eco-friendly option, for a sustainable environment.
He made the call at the 11th edition of the PROPAK West Africa 2024: Smart Packaging Conference, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria Food Security: Implementation of Smart Packaging to Reduce Waste”, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, underscored the role of food packaging and processing industries in driving economic growth, charging the industry players to shape the future of the industry to an eco-friendly one.
He said, “The industries represented here today are integral to Nigeria’s economy. They form the backbone of our industrial and manufacturing sectors, supporting various key areas such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods. The development of these industries is vital to ensuring our national growth and competitiveness in the global market.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the central themes of the conference, which focused on implementing sustainable packaging to reduce food waste and exploring cross-sectoral responsibilities in the plastics industry,were crucial for Nigeria’s economic stability, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of the citizenry.
“Packaging for food security is a national priority as Nigeria continues to grow in both population and economic ambition. Despite our rich agricultural resources, we still face significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate processing, packaging, and storage. In fact, it is estimated that up to 40% of food produced in Nigeria is lost before it reaches the consumer”, he stated.
He urged stakeholders to embrace sustainable packaging technologies with urgency, stressing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to manage plastics responsibly and drive innovations that protect the environment.
“I encourage every stakeholder here to embrace the themes of this year’s event with urgency and determination. We must actively seek out ways to implement smart packaging technologies that ensure food security and reduce waste. We must collaborate across sectors to manage plastics responsibly and push forward innovations that protect both our economy and our environment”, he remarked.
In his presentation at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the immense global challenge of food loss and waste, which he noted was a significant contributor to environmental degradation and resource wastage, in regions like Africa, where food security was still an issue.
He said, “According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), roughly one-third of the annual food produced globally for human consumption—approximately 1.3 billion tonnes—is lost or wasted. These losses are particularly unfortunate in Africa, where approximately 20 percent of the population is undernourished.”
Gbadegesin outlined the proactive steps of Lagos State Government to address plastic waste issues and to promote sustainable packaging solutions, including the recent ban on single-use plastics, as part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce negative environmental impact.
He said “On the 22nd of January 2024, the Lagos State Government announced a ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam packs and other single-use plastics, as part of efforts to shift the food industry towards a more sustainable practices. Also, in February 2024, Lagos State amplified the need for sensitization of our Food Systems’ Champions on modern ways of packaging, storage, and transportation of agro-produce”.
Speaking further, the LAWMA boss x-rayed various innovative packaging solutions that could transform the food industry, stressing that sustainable packaging was not only about protecting products but also about safeguarding the environment, necessitating a shift from conventional plastics use, which posed severe environmental hazards.
According to him, “Innovative sustainable packaging must meet all requirements for product safety, waste prevention, shelf life, hygiene, and health. Plastic packaging waste raises the biggest concerns on environmental impact, with 40% of disposable food packaging ending up in ways that negatively affect the environment, such as landfilling and microplastics”, he noted.
He further highlighted several sustainable packaging options, including bioplastics, biodegradable films, and plant-based packaging materials, emphasising their role in a circular economy, where packaging does not burden the environment but rather harmonises with it, pointing out the effectiveness of the solutions, particularly in reducing waste and enhancing product shelf life.
He contended that the eco-friendly solutions were not just environmentally beneficial but also aligned with consumer preferences and market trends, adding that a significant portion of consumers now prefer brands that engage in environmentally responsible practices, creating new opportunities for businesses that adopt sustainable packaging.
He said “Statistics show that 45% of customers prefer engaging with environmentally responsible brands such as those that offer eco-friendly food packaging solutions. Out of these consumers, 44% claimed that they would rather settle with a brand that supports recycling and food waste reduction.
“As we navigate the path toward a greener future, biodegradable packaging remains a pivotal solution for a sustainable world. It offers businesses a chance to enhance their reputation while minimising environmental impact, particularly in waste management and landfill diversion”, he concluded.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi, noted that the event was a potential avenue to creating a great future where everyone would have access to nutritious food and smart packaging, adding that the organisation was committed to prioritising the interest of consumers.
Other speakers were: Vice president, World Packaging Organisation, Mr. Kofi Essuman, Regional Director Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson, President African Packaging Organisation, Ahmed Omeh, among others.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
The LAWMA Academy has concluded its 2024 summer school program, a comprehensive initiative designed to educate pupils on effective waste management and recycling practices.
The four-week intensive course, which was held at LAWMA’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, saw participation of pupils across various schools in Lagos State.
In his address at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of Finance, expressed satisfaction with the performance of kids who participated in the program, while encouraging them to apply their newly acquired knowledge in their daily lives.
He said, “I am thrilled with your performance during this training. I urge you to go out there and share what you have learned with others. You must put these lessons into practice by properly sorting your waste and utilising recycling materials to create useful items.”
He emphasised the importance of the pupils becoming ambassadors for waste management, adding “Wherever you find yourselves, remember that you now carry the responsibility of promoting good waste management practices”.
Head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Bola Adewumi, urged the participants to make good use of their new knowledge to promote sustainable living in their communities.
Highlights of the event included awards for outstanding students from the primary and secondary categories.
The pupils, as well as the August LAWMA Academy interns, named team SSS (Sustainable Solution Squad), showcased projects and innovations developed during the program, demonstrating their grasp of waste management concepts and their potential to drive positive change in their various communities.
The summer school curriculum covered topics such as waste segregation, recycling techniques, and the environmental impact of proper waste management. Participants also engaged in hands-on activities and practical sessions, leaving them with a sound knowledge of sustainable waste practices.
Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.) Director, Public Affairs 29/08/2024
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on private organizations and residents to adopt streets and communities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to enhance environmental cleanliness across Lagos State.
Dr. Gbadegesin who spoke on both Lagos Television’s “The Conversation” and Channels TV’s “Sunrise” programs emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining sanitation, urging businesses and individuals to play a more active role in the cleanliness of their immediate environments.
“Adopting a street or community is an excellent way for organizations to contribute meaningfully to the city’s cleanliness efforts. It goes beyond just placing bins; it’s about taking responsibility for the cleanliness and maintenance of entire neighborhoods. This initiative will also serve as a strong CSR strategy, benefiting both the environment and the organizations involved,” Dr. Gbadegesin explained.
Speaking further, he linked the recent cholera outbreak to poor environmental practices such as open defecation and illegal waste disposal, stressing that these could be mitigated through sustained community sanitation efforts. He added, “Sanitation should be a daily habit, ingrained in our culture, and this is what we should be teaching our children.”
Commenting on the on-going community clean-up campaign by LAWMA and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, he stated that, “What we are doing right now is sensitisation, and yes, the monthly sanitation exercise is coming back. We are going from community to community, engaging with local stakeholders, and addressing residents’ challenges.”
The LAWMA boss said that the Authority was moving on with the “Adopt a Bin” program, aimed at encouraging households to containerise their waste effectively.
“The new LAWMA smart bins are revolutionising household waste management. We aim for every home to have its own bin, making it easier for residents to properly contain their waste. To make this accessible, we have introduced a 24-month installment plan. What sets these bins apart is their smart technology: “Each bin is equipped with an RFID tag and geolocation capabilities. This allows us to track when bins are empty, ensuring efficient service from our operators,” he stressed
Gbadegesin also highlighted the state government’s collaboration with the private sector to enhance waste disposal facilities, including a memorandum of understanding with Jospong Group to build material recovery facilities and modern landfills in Lagos, adding that LAWMA was also working with local government authorities to establish community recycling centers, to provide residents with dedicated spaces to dispose of recyclables and receive incentives.
On LAWMA Academy, he said, “We are teaching the next generation about the value of recycling and the importance of maintaining a clean environment. Currently, we have an on-going summer school that will last for a month, and in the next few months, we are going to open a portal for online classes with certification on the LAWMA Academy website.”
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to improving the welfare of street sweepers, adding that the agency was implementing health insurance and skill development programs for its sweepers.
Folashade Kadiri (Mrs.) Director, Public Affairs 13th August, 2024
The Lagos State Government on Sunday emphasized the importance of good sanitation practices amongst all residents in order to ensure a clean, flood free, safe and sustainable environment across the state.
The emphasis was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab during the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign held at Omobokun Street, Ekimogun Underbridge Iyana Oworo, Bariga Local Council Development Area adding that all residents must make good sanitation practices a daily affair.
He said the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign was introduced to promote good sanitation practices amongst residents before the formal commencement of the monthly Sanitation Exercise.
“What we are trying to do is to ramp up sensitization and advocacy before the formal commencement of the monthly environmental Sanitation which will soon be announced by the Governor,” he said.
He mentioned that some houses in the area have been investigated and were found to have channelled their septic tanks into the drainages and some have built their fences on the drainage channels adding that these houses will soon be sealed by the appropriate Agency.
He implored residents to support Government effort through regular cleaning of the drainages in front of their houses and desist from the unwholesome act of illegal waste disposal saying it is expedient for everyone to take ownership of all infrastructure provided by the government.
On the issue of flooding experienced in the area, Wahab said government will reassess the claims by the community members that the sandfilling carried out at Oworo end is responsible for the flooding incidents encountered in the Ekimogun area, adding that government is determined to proffer a lasting solution to flooding in the area.
He maintained that the environmental advocacy campaign has been effective as the communities earlier visited at the commencement of the advocacy programme have been revisited and these communities have sustained the clean up and the communities are cleaner and healthier.
Wahab encouraged residents to embrace Good Environmental Habits stressing that this would reduce the burden on the health sector and ensure the effects are positive on the infrastructure provided by government.
The Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Honourable Kolade Alabi while speaking, said that Governor Sanwo-Olu commissioned the Ekimogun Road but it was disheartening that the road is in a sorry state because of the unsanitary attitude of residents.
“We the residents of Bariga must therefore stop littering our roads and canals with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective homes and always patronise the PSP” he said.
He said the government is determined to ensure the Environment is always Clean and as such every house in Bariga must own a bin which would be made available by the government at a reasonable amount.
The Managing Director Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) informed that Bariga Local Government has been identified as one of the Local Council Development Areas that will accommodate a recycling facility adding that the Waste to Wealth facility will reduce illegal waste disposal in the area.
He enjoined all residents to collaborate with the government to ensure that Lagos is free of garbage saying that waste bins will soon be made available to tenements in Bariga.
In her response, the Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Health, Bariga Local Government, Hon. Suliat Oguns pledged the support of people of the Bariga Community saying the community residents would ensure that waste is properly disposed and infrastructure provided by the State Government will be effectively utilised.
As Lagos State Government intensifies its monthly sanitation awareness programme, it has hinted of plans to introduce smart waste bins for every tenement in the state.
This statement was made by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu when he led other state officials during the ongoing weekly sanitation awareness and cleaning exercise held at Ajeromi Local Government adding that indiscriminate Waste disposal is a major contributor to prevalence of communicable diseases.
Akodu who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services Engr Mahamood Adegbite said the issue of a cleaner environment is a serious issue that requires the collective effort of Government and the Citizens.
Akodu said the Smart Bin had become neccesary to monitor the activities of PSP operators as well as the refuse disposal rate of Lagosians, appealing to residents and market leaders in the area to make clean environment a priority as they go about their daily business activities.
The Special Adviser noted that it was unfortunate that Lagos State was one of the states where Cholera broke out, saying this is a result of persistent insanitary habits of some of the residents.
He reiterated that the team is embarking on the weekly exercise to encourage the citizenry to have a changed mindset and imbibe the culture of cleanliness towards the environment.
“We want to work more with the people and raise the bar on good sanitary practices; we are ramping up our advocacy and sensitization to achieve a positive change and ideology of the people” he said.
He said the present Administration is deeply concerned about achieving a clean environment and wellbeing of the residents, but it is disheartening that most roads, road medians markets and motor parks across the metropolis were adorned with refuse dumped by residents who do not want to patronise PSP operators.
He added that from the stretch of Marine beach and Mobil Road towards Ajegunle boundary to Alayabiagba market, the roadside and road median were filled with heaps of wastes adding that the corpse of a baby was found on the roadside during the exercise, saying that now is the time for everyone to desist from the unwholesome act against the environment.
He recalled that the Alayabiagba market was closed last year because of the insanitary habits of traders saying the market is gradually deviating from the standards set by government after it was reopened.
He stated that reports gathered from the weekly Community Sanitation Exercise / Advocacy campaign has revealed that majority of the people are yearning for the return of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise across the state.
“We must therefore stop littering our market, and motor parks with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective market and homes and ensure we patronize PSP operators, stop creating illegal dumpsites on road medians, kerbs, open spaces, and road setbacks and start policing our environment”, he emphasized.
He appealed to the community leaders and market leaders present to educate the people on the dangers of dumping on the road median as was noticed along the stretch of Marine beach and Mobil Road in the axis.
The Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin explained expatiated that the State Government would soon role out Smart Bins with notifications for all houses stressing that the chips attached to the bins would notify LAWMA when the PSP Operators fail to pick up wastes at the appropriate time.
He said safe, clean and sustainable environment is the function of all residents and not the government alone adding that everyone must make good sanitation practices a way of life and support the effort of the government.
In their responses, a cross section of the community leaders including the Baale, Babaloja of Ajeromi Ifelodun and CDC Chairman present all appealed to the State Government to reconsider the introduction of monthly sanitation exercise.
The clamored that in the very recent past most market and areas had waste police which prevented littering, adding more people need to be enlisted to become LAWMA policemen in our neighbourhoods.
The Special Adviser was also accompanied by the Managing Director LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin; General Manager LASPARK, Mrs. Toun Popoola; KAI Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd); General Manager, LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi and some Directors from the ministry.
The team visited Mobil Road/ Apapa / Ajeromi / Ajegunle boundary and Alayabiagba market.
In continuation of the community sanitation and advocacy campaign recently kicked off by the state government, LAWMA Academy interns, the 34th set, also known as Team Eco Resilience, on Wednesday, sensitised residents of Otto Community, Lagos Mainland, on the the need to imbibe proper waste management.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, told residents to make personal hygiene and proper waste management, a way of life.
He said the task of ensuring a clean environment was not LAWMA’s alone, but a collective responsibility, adding that residents should get covered bins for disposal of their waste, to avoid the spread of diseases.
Gbadegesin also invited interested youths in Otto community, to register as interns at LAWMA Academy, noting that, “When graduate youths from the community register as interns, they can spread awareness about what they have learned. Various opportunities now exist in waste management. To benefit, we must open our eyes to the possibilities around us.”
In his response, the CDA chairman of Otto community and CDC chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Saloko Muiz Babatunde, implored residents in the area, to join the weekly clean-up exercise, to be organised by the community, warning that those who failed to join would be sanctioned.
Representative of the Oloto of Otto Community, Prince Fuhad Oloto and chief of staff to Oloto, Honourable Akeem Esuru-osho, pledged support for LAWMA and compliance with environmental regulations.
In a related development, traders of United Amu Market have taken it upon themselves to clean up their business premises, in response to last Sunday’s sanitation awareness effort at Alamutu Market, Idi-Oro, by officials of the Lagos State Government.
Reacting to this, LAWMA Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the traders for their sense of responsibility towards their environment, urging other markets in the state to take a cue from that, and observe proper sanitation and hygiene around their business facilities.
“Achieving a clean and livable city of our dreams requires everyone to play their own part, we cannot afford to watch the beauty of the state erode due to indiscriminate refuse dumping and nonchalant attitude. The environment is ours to cherish and preserve. Let’s keep Lagos clean”, he said.
You would recall that some officials of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and LAWMA, including the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, last Sunday, visited Alamutu Market, Idi-Oro, Mushin, for a comprehensive community-based sanitation/ sensitisation exercise.
For more information on LAWMA’s initiatives, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.
…Govt to build waste-to-energy plants at Olusosun, Epe and Badagry
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has unveiled plans to radically improve the waste management system in the state, at a Waste to Energy Summit themed, “Driving Environmental Sustainability”.
The event, organised by Rack Centre in partnership with the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS), at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, brought together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions to waste management challenges.
In his keynote address, Wahab, who was represented by the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised the need for proper dumpsite management to mitigate environmental hazards.
“When Olusosun was established, it was actually on the outskirts, but development caught up with it. There’s a lot of pressure on solid waste management, which is why we are working on reducing the amount of waste dumped on the Olusosun landfill through recycling initiatives,” he explained.
He further outlined LAWMA’s strategic plans to transform waste management in the state, by focusing more on recycling, introducing various initiatives such as development of compost and biogas plants, to reduce the volume of waste going to landfills.
“We are working on developing composting and biogas plants on the site. The future state is that we are going to decommission the Olusosun landfill; we are already in the process. Decommissioning the dumpsite is necessary to address long-term environmental and health impacts. In doing this, we are going to comply with international best practices”, he stressed.
Dr. Gbadegesin also announced plans to establish waste-to-energy plants across the state, “Waste-to-energy plants will be established at the Epe dumpsite. The plan is to have three waste-to-energy plants in the state at Badagry, Epe, and Olusosun. We are exploring other alternatives to be used as landfills since we are working on shutting down the Olusosun landfill.”
Dolapo Olaoluwa, the convener of the summit and a serving corps member, said he envisioned a gathering of key stakeholders to discuss solutions to the challenges posed by the Olusosun dumpsite and other waste management issues, as a way of contributing meaningfully to the community where he was serving.
Mr. Adetayo Odusole, Head Sustainability Coordination, Rack Centre, expressed their enthusiasm for sponsoring the event, noting that Rack Centre was pleased to support the initiative as it aligned with their goals of achieving a sustainable environment in the state, emphasising that achieving this required a collective effort.
Other speakers at the summit included: Ezekiel Egboye, Founding Executive and Chief Operating Officer, Rack Centre; Jide Onakoya, Chief Operating Officer, Elektron; Professor Emmanuel O. Ogolo, Professor of Atmospheric Physics (represented); Dr. Victor Abimbola Onifade, senior lecturer of Urban and Regional Planning; Olaide Ayodele-Taiwo; Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA); and Yetunde Baderinwa, NYSC State Coordinator, Lagos State.
High point of the event was a panel discussion, where the stakeholders and experts discussed sustainable solutions to waste management challenges in the state.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on residents to observe the best personal and domestic hygiene, as well as proper waste management practices, to curb the spread of rampaging cholera.
He gave the advice in his office, Ijora Olopa, against the recent outbreak of the disease, which has claimed some lives, leaving many hospitalised.
Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, thriving rapidly in unsanitary conditions.
He said, “The outbreak of cholera in the state is a serious public health concern. It is imperative that every resident takes proactive measures to prevent further spread of the disease. Ensuring proper personal and domestic hygiene, including efficient waste management, will go a long way in curbing the spread of the fatal disease”.
The LAWMA boss suggested several precautionary measures including: proper waste disposal; ensuring safe drinking water; frequent hand-washing with soap; food safety practices and use of proper sanitation facilities among others.
He admonished residents to shun indiscriminate refuse dumping and to imbibe the practice of bagging and disposing of their waste using covered bins, to prevent the spread of diseases by vectors, and to ensure seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators.
Gbadegesin said the Authority would continue to intensify efforts at making sure that waste generated across the state was promptly and efficiently managed, with service providers working around the clock to clean up black spots.
He further appealed to residents to always wash their hands when they come in contact with waste, either while bagging or putting in covered bins, urging them to align with the state government’s environmental and health safety policies, by avoiding reckless waste dumping in drains, road medians, among other negative environmental practices.
“We are fully committed to the health and safety of every Lagosian. Our teams are on the ground, ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed of to minimise health risks. However, we need the cooperation of all residents to maintain a clean and safe environment,” he stressed.
It would be recalled that the agency had over the years championed the campaign on the importance of waste bagging and proper containarisation, through various programmes and initiatives.
For more information about LAWMA’s initiatives and how to support efforts to maintain a clean environment, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged residents to properly bag and dispose of their waste, especially animal waste, during and after this year’s Id el Kabir celebrations.
Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has noted that comprehensive measures were being implemented to ensure a clean and hygienic environment during the festivities, with service providers working assiduously.
He said, “We have put in place a robust system to manage waste effectively during Id el Kabir. Our goal is to ensure that the celebration is enjoyed in a clean and safe environment. We are working tirelessly to ensure this”.
Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to addressing improper waste disposal practices that could lead to environmental degradation, encouraging residents to engage only assigned PSP operators and avoid cart pushers, whose activities undermined the Authority’s efforts.
“We urge residents to cooperate with us by bagging and containerising waste generated during and after this period, for seamless evacuation by PSP operators. Cart pushers often dispose of waste indiscriminately, causing environmental harm. We cannot condone their activities, to keep the city clean and safe”, he noted.
The LAWMA boss also admonished residents to shun dumping waste on road medians, canals, uncompleted buildings, and other unauthorised locations, adding that the Authority would provide back-up services for PSP operators, in areas with service gaps, to ensure effective waste management.
He admonished motorists to drive cautiously during the festive period, to safeguard the lives of sanitation workers who would be performing their duties on the streets and major roads across the city.
While wishing all residents a happy celebration, he urged them to contact LAWMA’s toll-free lines at 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, for prompt assistance.
