…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 Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has welcomed new graduate interns to the July edition of its internship program, aimed at promoting waste management education among the younger generation.
Managing Director and CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, speaking about the program, emphasised the importance of engaging young minds in the business of creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos environment, especially as the state tackles cholera outbreak.
He said, “Our internship program is designed to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective waste management and environmental preservation. At LAWMA, we believe education is key to achieving our aim of entrenching proper waste management as a lifestyle”.
Dr. Gbadegesin noted that the hands-on experience provided by LAWMA would enable the interns to understand the complexities and challenges of waste management operations, adding that the training would help them become environmental stewards, positively influencing others.
“Our interns will be exposed to various aspects of LAWMA’s operations, from waste collection and disposal to recycling and public education campaigns. With these, they will gain practical insights and develop innovative solutions to waste management issues”, he stated.
The Director of LAWMA Academy, Training and Development, Mrs. Bola Adewunmi, who welcomed the new set of graduate interns, briefed them on the nature of the four-week program, which included theoretical lessons, practical sessions, and field visits, for exposure to the fundamentals of waste management and diverse LAWMA operations.
In a related development, the academy has extended its environmental cleanliness education drive to schools in Agege and Ajeromi Ifelodun local government areas, teaching the pupils, basic waste management practices, recycling, fostering a positive relationship with the environment, and the negative impact of banned Styrofoam packs.
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 launched “Know Your PSP” campaign, an initiative aimed at improving communication and cooperation between residents and Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, responsible for waste collection.
Commenting on the initiative, managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the campaign was aimed at improving waste management practices throughout the state, adding that the initiative would provide residents with detailed information about the specific PSP operators assigned to their areas, for contact and for reporting issues or requesting additional services.
He said, “The ‘Know Your PSP’ campaign is a crucial step in our on-going effort at improving waste management in Lagos State. By equipping residents with the knowledge of who their PSP operators are and how to reach them, we are fostering a collaborative effort for a cleaner city. This initiative will not only enhance service delivery but also promote accountability and responsiveness among PSP operators.”
Gbadegesin said LAWMA had established dedicated helplines and online platforms, where residents could easily access information about their designated PSP operators, report issues, and provide feedbacks, adding that this would make it easier for residents to communicate with their waste services providers, so that challenges were promptly addressed and services consistently delivered.
He noted further, that investigation showed that some residents did not even know their PSP operators nor their contacts, making it impossible to interface with them, on any area of service provision.
“By providing residents with easy access to information and a direct line of communication with their PSP operators, we are making it easier for them to report issues and request services. This streamlined approach will help us address concerns more efficiently and ensure that waste collection services meet the needs of all residents”, he said.
The LAWMA boss appealed to the populace to desist from acts of indiscriminate waste dumping and patronage of the outlawed cart pushers, capable of worsening environmental challenges in the metropolis, especially flooding, as the rains set in.
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.
As the rains approach, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has completed the rehabilitation of Olusosun dumpsite, to ensure smooth waste disposal operations across the state.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, said the maintenance effort was aimed at improving operational efficiency in anticipation of the rainy season.
He said, “Our primary objective in rehabilitating Olusosun dumpsite is to ensure that waste disposal trucks can navigate through the dumpsite seamlessly, even in adverse weather conditions, especially during heavy rainfall when logistical challenges tend to arise”.
Dr. Gbadegesin stated that, in addition to the recently completed maintenance efforts, LAWMA was focused on enhancing operational efficiency to improve turnaround times for waste disposal trucks, adding that the rehabilitation would significantly reduce queue times, translating to faster and more effective waste collection services.
“Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond operational enhancements. We urge residents to join us in prioritising responsible waste disposal practices to safeguard our environment”, he stressed.
The LAWMA boss further highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal, urging residents to avoid dumping waste in drains, especially during the rainy season, known for disrupting the drainage system and posing serious environmental risks to lives and properties.
“We encourage residents to patronise accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for their waste disposal needs. By supporting licensed operators, individuals contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all”, he reiterated.
The Managing Director emphasised the importance of residents familiarising themselves with their PSPs, who play a vital role in waste management at the local level, adding that, by understanding and engaging with their designated PSP operators, residents could ensure efficient and effective waste disposal services in their communities.
“We are committed to facilitating this process by publishing detailed PSP contacts for all areas in the state. This initiative aims to empower residents to take ownership of waste management practices in their neighborhoods, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all”, he assured.
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 served 343 contravention notices on construction sites at various locations around the state in the last one year.
Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this at on-going ministerial press briefing to mark one year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration, in Alausa, Ikeja.
He said the notices were served on them for not complying with the construction waste regulation procedure supervised by LAWMA.
Wahab added that 354 new introductions notices were issued to construction firms within the same period while enforcement was carried out on 10 recalcitrant sites.
According to him, “LAWMA in the last one year has served no less than 343 contravention notices on construction firms at various locations in the state, for not complying with the rules and regulations governing construction waste management. It is the responsibility of the Construction Demolition and Disaster Waste Department of LAWMA, to work with construction firms, for smooth evacuation of waste generated by them. But some of them are not playing by the rules, hence the notices”.
Speaking further, he said the agency identified 103 black spots around the state, which LAWMA at various times mobilised its operations men to clear.
He said, “It is a sad commentary that despite persistent public awareness, warnings and actual enforcements, some residents still refuse to patronise assigned PSP operators, preferring to dump waste in canals, on road medians and other illegal points. This habit must stop”.
The commissioner also disclosed that LAWMA, through the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources, had signed an MoU with the State Government and Jospong Group, on waste treatment solutions.
He noted that the MoU entailed identifying existing landfill sites, for proper re-engineering of solid waste management system, to generate employment.
Still on the activities of LAWMA in the last one year, he intimated that the agency had worked with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), to identify locations for the installation of plastic recycling facilities, adding that the move was aimed at mass removal of plastic items from the environment, and for job creation.
He stated further, that the Marine Unit of LAWMA, had additional 5 rafters within the last one year, to aid the collection of on-shore and off-shore waste.
On markets in the state, he noted that LAWMA had a year round stakeholders engagement, considerably improving hygiene practices, waste containerisation and evacuation among others.
Wahab reminded residents who indulge in defacing the environment, that LAWMA, within the time under review, apprehended and prosecuted about 1,100 defaulters, a majority of whom were sentenced to hours of community service or fined various sums of money.
He contended that to sustain the current momentum of achievements by the agency, stakeholders engagement, public enlightenment must continue on all media platforms, sending messages on efficient waste management best practices to all strata of society.
The commissioner commended LAWMA Academy for continuously expanding its reach of pupils for waste management education, which averaged 1,400 pupils in eight primary schools across the state.
Wahab lauded LAWMA for prioritising 24-hour response time to complaints, urging residents to shun reckless waste disposal at unauthorised locations, to avoid harsh environmental consequences as the rains approach.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has underscored the importance of maintaining a clean environment, to combat the spread of malaria.
He said this in a statement marking this year’s World Malaria Day, themed: ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’.
The World Health Organization (WHO), had noted that approximately 249 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide in 2022, with an estimated 608,000 deaths, occurring mostly in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and remaining a major global challenge.
He said that while malaria was primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, the prevalence and severity of the disease could be significantly reduced through preventive measures, anchored on a clean environment, as one of the most effective strategies.
According to him, “In the fight against malaria, prevention is key. One of the most effective preventive measures is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by ensuring a clean and hygienic environment. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, waste dumps, and other unhygienic areas. By keeping our homes and surroundings clean, we can significantly reduce mosquito population and consequently, the transmission of malaria.”
Gbadegesin urged residents to actively participate in efforts to maintain a clean environment, by shunning indiscriminate refuse disposal, cleaning their surroundings, and patronising assigned PSP operators, adding that individual actions could have a significant impact on public health outcomes.
“Each of us has a responsibility to keep our surroundings clean. By properly disposing of waste, eliminating stagnant water, and adopting good sanitation practices, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the devastating effects of malaria”, he stressed.
The LAWMA boss reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to promoting environmental cleanliness and public health, with effective collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste across the state, while also implementing educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of environmental hygiene.
“As the world marks World Malaria Day, I want to reassure residents of LAWMA’s total commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and public health. Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, communities, and individuals, a cleaner and healthier environment can be achieved, leading to a significant reduction in the burden of malaria and other vector-borne diseases”, he stressed.
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 Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has told truck drivers in the agency’s fleet, to strictly obey safe driving rules or risk severe penalties, including outright dismissal.
He said this on Tuesday, at the agency’s headquarters, Ijora-Olopa, where he repeatedly warned against any breach of safe motoring and road traffic rules and regulations, involving non-use of seat belts, drunk driving, over-speeding and reckless behaviour on highways.
Other breaches, according to him, include: over-loading, loss of safety equipment, possession of invalid driver’s license, waste handlers hanging onto moving trucks, and such other reckless actions, that could trigger an accident.
He emphatically stressed, that stiff sanctions would henceforth be applied, including outright dismissal, prosecution, suspension from work, forfeiture of monthly salaries and allowances, and non-payment of medical bills if involved in an accident, depending on the gravity of infraction.
He said: “Henceforth, reckless road behaviour and breach of safe driving rules and regulations will attract very stiff penalties, including the possibility of dismissal, among other sanctions. The safety of our drivers, residents and other road users remains our priority in the course of daily operations. We are working relentlessly to ensure that our truck drivers discharge their duties in a manner that will not endanger the lives of people in the state.”
He disclosed that each waste evacuation truck operated by LAWMA, will now prominently display phone numbers, allowing residents to promptly report instances of reckless driving or dangerous behaviour witnessed on the roads.
Gbadegesin stressed the significance of community involvement in maintaining road safety standards, adding that by empowering residents to report incidents, the collective effort could promote safer road practices.
He assured the public that all reports received would be thoroughly investigated, and any erring truck drivers would face appropriate sanctions.
The LAWMA boss reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in waste management operations, adding that the Authority would not rest on its oars, towards ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all Lagosians.
He encouraged residents to utilise LAWMA’s toll-free numbers or the phone numbers displayed on waste evacuation trucks, to report concerns related to waste management or road safety infractions by drivers.
LAWMA Academy, the educational arm of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, has welcomed a fresh set of candidates, for its one-month internship for the month of April.
The interns were all recent graduates of various universities in the country, across different academic disciplines.
Addressing the interns, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, congratulated them for making the internship programme, as it would assist them, to learn as much as possible about waste management and inherent benefits.
He noted that waste was really not waste but resource, urging them to embrace the business opportunities offered by the circular economy value chain, where so-called waste becomes wealth and blessing, to individuals, society and the environment.
According to him, “This internship will go a long way in exposing you to the positive and rewarding side of waste management. I am sure you are aware that nothing is a waste until you waste them. What used to be waste is now a resource that can be harvested to make money and improve lives. Indeed, it’s a long value-chain you can tap into, depending on your area of interest. It is a promising and highly rewarding venture.”
Speaking further, the LAWMA boss urged them to pay good attention to the practical aspects of their training and arm themselves with determination, to become change agents and champions of environmental sustainability.
Speaking in the same vein, the Executive Director of LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, urged the interns to maximize the knowledge gained, to leverage their areas of interest along the value-chain, for personal enterprise and good reward.
He said, “This is a good opportunity for you to acquire knowledge and make money from modern waste management initiatives. What is important for you here, is to pay attention to the various things you will be taught, so that you can decide where to key in, for future enterprise and handsome financial rewards”.
Similarly, LAWMA Academy had last month ran a one-month internship programme for some graduate and post-graduate candidates, representing the first batch of interns for this year. The candidates who enjoyed in-depth training in modern waste management from various departments of the agency, received completion certificates, after presenting their group final project, an illustrative diagram on circular economy, relating to manufacturing industries, to the LAWMA boss.
LAWMA Academy, has since the beginning of this year, taken environmental advocacy to more than 5,000 pupils of public schools across the state, in Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Mushin, Ijora –Olopa, Agege, Victoria Island, and other areas.
The pupils were enlightened on LAWMA’s diverse operations, effects of indiscriminate waste dumping, making money from recyclables, usage of trash bags and cans, shunning cart pushers and the need to patronise assigned PSP operators.
The founding objective was to expand the frontiers of knowledge on waste management, by teaching it as much as possible, to the younger generation for new cultural orientation and perception of waste management, for environmental sustainability. It is the basis for stretching the dragnets to bring in as many young people as possible into the fold, to form the vanguard of environment ambassadors, for a new culture and orientation, for a people-friendly environment.
LAWMA Academy Internship, is a monthly programme of environmental and waste management education, for willing candidates.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has urged Lagos residents to make clean environment a permanent habit that goes beyond occasions and festivities.
He said this in a release by the agency where he congratulated the Muslim faithful on successfully completing the Ramadan fast, leading to the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.
Gbadegesin noted that personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness formed integral teachings of Islam, that should become permanent features of our daily living beyond the Ramadan period.
He said, “Islam teaches cleanliness at the personal level, at home and the environment. Islam abhors filth and dirtiness anywhere around us. I appeal that we make this great teaching a permanent feature of our daily lives and living. Whatever we put into the environment is what it will give back. Therefore, let us maintain good hygiene at the domestic front as well as the larger environment, all for our own good”.
While wishing them happy celebrations, he urged them to shun reckless waste disposal at street corners, road medians, side walks, black spots and other unauthorised locations, warning that LAWMA enforcement personnel had been mobilised, to apprehend defaulters for immediate prosecution.
The LAWMA boss assured that PSP operators would continue to work optimally, while the agency would provide backup services in areas that require such, urging motorists to drive with caution, to ensure safety of sanitation workers on major roads during the festivities.
He further appealed to residents to contact LAWMA customer care, to report service gaps for quick intervention.
As the Easter season approaches, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has underscored the significance of ensuring a clean and sustainable environment, through responsible waste management practices.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in a statement released on Friday, called on residents to shun indiscriminate waste disposal and embrace recycling as integral components of their Easter festivities.
He said,”Easter symbolizes joy and renewal, but it also serves as a reminder of our duty to preserve the environment for future generations. LAWMA implores all residents to prioritize sustainable waste management practices during this festive period. By minimizing waste generation and actively participating in recycling efforts, we can collectively contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.”
“It is also important to highlight the need for residents to avoid food wastage and use only materials that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed, to minimize environmental impact. The Easter festivities provide an excellent opportunity for individuals and communities to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability”, he stressed.
The LAWMA boss encouraged residents to make use of designated waste collection points and recycling facilities across Lagos State, adding that the Authority would continue to sensitise the populace on proper waste management during and after the celebration.
He said, “As part of our ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability, LAWMA has launched several initiatives aimed at encouraging recycling and waste reduction. These include community cleanup drives, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses and organisations. By working together and engaging in recycling practices, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for all”.
While wishing Lagos residents a happy Easter celebration, he urged them to bag and containerise their waste, for fast and seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators. He assured that the Authority would provide backup services to complement efforts of PSPs, urging motorists to drive with caution to safeguard the lives of sanitation workers carrying out their duties during this period.
For waste management related inquiries, call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617 or send an email to info@lawma.gov.ng.
