The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has described the illegal dumping of refuse as an irresponsible waste disposal practice that poses serious risks to public health and the environment.
Dr. Gbadegesin made this assertion while speaking on Your View, a discussion programme aired on TVC, noting that indiscriminate dumping is often associated with informal settlements and unapproved locations.
He reiterated that residents are expected to properly bag their waste, register with accredited Private Sector
Participation (PSP) operators, and pay for waste collection services to ensure effective and efficient service delivery across the state.
The LAWMA boss explained that waste management challenges in Lagos are partly linked to infrastructure gaps, stressing that a rapidly growing megacity requires continuous upgrades of its waste transfer, recovery, and disposal systems.
He disclosed that LAWMA is currently piloting a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, where a biodigester is being used to convert organic waste into energy, showcasing the benefits of a circular economy approach.
On enforcement, Dr. Gbadegesin emphasised that the authority would maintain a firm stance against environmental infractions, intensify the prosecution of offenders, and urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping while reporting violations to relevant authorities.
He further revealed that Lagos State is set to unlock the economic potential of its waste management value chain through the revamp of existing Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to improve efficiency, boost recycling, and support a circular economy.
According to him, the ongoing revamp of TLS and MRFs will enhance waste evacuation, increase material recovery, reduce pressure on disposal sites, and create opportunities for private sector participation across the waste management value chain.
Dr. Gbadegesin also acknowledged the critical role of PSP operators, describing their work as challenging but essential to maintaining cleanliness across the state, adding that LAWMA remains committed to providing back-up services wherever challenges arise.
