The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, says sweeping reforms and infrastructure upgrades have significantly improved waste collection efficiency across Lagos State.
Gbadegesin made this known during a courtesy visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, where he outlined measures implemented to strengthen waste management operations.
According to him, LAWMA has expanded night cleaning operations and increased street sweeping coverage to 1,000 routes statewide. He disclosed that about 16,000 street sweepers are currently engaged across Lagos, supported by improved logistics and operational systems.
He noted that the agency acquired new equipment three years ago to complement the compactor trucks operated by Private Sector Participants (PSPs), while also rehabilitating old trucks to boost fleet capacity. Additional compactor trucks, he added, are expected in the coming months.
“Heavy-duty equipment is now deployed to clear legacy illegal dumpsites across communities,” Gbadegesin said.
The LAWMA boss also highlighted efforts to strengthen human capacity, including expanding the agency’s advocacy department and deepening collaboration with Community Development Associations (CDAs) and local councils. He revealed that each local government now operates a waste management task force supported by LAWMA integration desks.
On waste-to-wealth initiatives, Gbadegesin disclosed that the Lagos State House of Assembly has ratified a concession agreement with Zoomlion to construct transfer loading stations and material recovery facilities.
He said the facilities would enable the eventual closure of the Olusosun and Solous landfills and process up to 4,000 tonnes of waste daily. Organic waste, which accounts for about 50 per cent of Lagos’ total waste stream, would be converted into compost, while plastics would be recycled into waste bins.
Gbadegesin further disclosed plans for a 1,500-tonnes-per-day waste-to-energy plant in partnership with Harvest Waste.
The project is expected to generate 60 megawatts of electricity to support emerging industrial zones in the state.
He also cited a pilot biogas plant at the Epe Food Market, which processes about 500 kilogrammes of organic waste daily to generate electricity for market operations.
Gbadegesin called for stronger collaboration with the media to drive public awareness and behavioural change.
“Waste management is not just about equipment; it is about human behaviour, enforcement and strong regulatory systems,” he said.
He urged residents to make use of LAWMA’s toll-free lines and digital platforms to report service gaps rather than resort to illegal dumping.