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…Plans transfer loading, recycling facilities upgrade
The Lagos State Government has declared its readiness to unlock the economic value embedded in its waste management system, signalling a renewed push to turn refuse into revenue through improved infrastructure, recycling, and private sector participation.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this during an appearance on *“Your View,”* a discussion programme aired on TVC. He said the state was repositioning its waste ecosystem by revamping existing Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to improve operational efficiency and support a circular economy.
Gbadegesin explained that Lagos’ waste management challenges were closely tied to infrastructure gaps, stressing that a fast-growing megacity required constant upgrades to its transfer and recovery systems to keep pace with population growth and rising waste volumes. According to him, the ongoing revamp of TLS and MRFs would enhance waste evacuation, boost material recovery, reduce pressure on disposal sites, and open up new opportunities for investment across the waste value chain.
He acknowledged the critical role played by Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, describing their work as difficult but essential to maintaining cleanliness across the state. He added that LAWMA remained committed to supporting PSP operators by providing backup services whenever operational challenges arose.
The LAWMA boss also raised concerns about illegal dumping, describing it as an irresponsible practice often linked to informal settlements and unapproved locations. He warned that indiscriminate waste disposal posed serious risks to public health and the environment, undermining the state’s sanitation efforts.
Reiterating residents’ responsibilities, Gbadegesin said Lagosians were expected to properly bag their waste, register with accredited PSP operators, and pay for waste collection services to ensure effective and sustainable service delivery across communities.
He further revealed that LAWMA was piloting a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, where a biodigester is being used to convert organic waste into energy. The initiative, he said, demonstrated the practical benefits of a circular economy approach that reduces waste while generating value.
On enforcement, Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA would maintain a firm stance against environmental infractions, intensifying prosecution of offenders.
He urged residents to shun indiscriminate dumping and promptly report violations, noting that collective responsibility remained key to achieving a cleaner and more economically productive Lagos.
