LAWMA Boss Urges Lagosians to Sort Waste, Embrace Recycling as 400 Dumping Cases Go to Court

LAWMA Boss Urges Lagosians to Sort Waste, Embrace Recycling as 400 Dumping Cases Go to Court

 

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on Lagos residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices, stressing that proper waste handling is critical to building a cleaner, more liveable and sustainable мегacity.

Gbadegesin made the call on Saturday while speaking on Sunrise Daily, a flagship programme on Channels Television, where he addressed the growing challenges of waste management in a rapidly urbanising Lagos and the shared responsibility required to keep the state clean.

According to him, LAWMA has sustained waste evacuation and management operations across the state, while strengthening routine collection services and persistently clearing identified waste flashpoints.

He noted that many of these flashpoints were caused by indiscriminate dumping and poor waste handling, which continue to undermine progress in the sector.

The LAWMA boss urged residents to adopt basic waste sorting practices at source, explaining that separating recyclable materials from general waste would improve collection efficiency, boost recycling activities and significantly reduce pressure on landfill sites.

He emphasised the agency’s increasing focus on recycling, describing waste not merely as refuse but as a valuable economic resource.

Gbadegesin said recycling initiatives could generate employment, attract private sector participation and enhance environmental protection across the state.

Advocating a shift from the traditional linear model of waste collection and disposal, he called for the adoption of a circular economy approach, where materials are recovered, reused and recycled.

According to him, this model offers vast economic and business opportunities while minimising environmental impact.

On enforcement, Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to upholding environmental laws, revealing that no fewer than 400 environmental infraction cases were prosecuted in 2025. He cited a recent case in which a man caught dumping waste indiscriminately is currently serving a jail term.

He appealed to residents to support enforcement efforts by shunning indiscriminate dumping and promptly reporting violations, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to maintaining cleanliness and order in Lagos.

Gbadegesin concluded by reaffirming LAWMA’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to strengthen waste management systems and promote a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Lagos State.