By Ayomide Otitoju
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has issued a stern warning to residents and property owners across Lagos State to maintain a clean environment or face stiff penalties, including potential loss of property.
Speaking during an interview on Lagos Talks 91.3FM on Monday, Gbadegesin emphasized that environmental cleanliness is a collective responsibility, not solely the government’s duty. He cautioned against illegal waste disposal and urged residents to take ownership of their surroundings.
“Even if you are not the owner of a property, you are still legally obligated to keep your environment clean,” he said. “LAWMA cannot clean your frontage for you—that responsibility lies with residents.”
Gbadegesin also revealed that LAWMA plans to deploy drones to monitor waste disposal practices and curb illegal dumping across the city. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to empowering Nigerians in the waste management sector, highlighting the resilience of local entrepreneurs despite operational challenges.
Addressing the difficulties faced by Private Sector Participants (PSPs), he disclosed that many still struggle with revenue collection due to non-compliance from some residents. To mitigate this, LAWMA is introducing CNG-powered trucks to help PSPs cut costs and improve efficiency.
The LAWMA boss also announced ongoing efforts to expand recycling initiatives. Hundreds of companies are now conducting door-to-door recyclable collections, and the Authority has established community recycling centers that reward residents with incentives for turning in waste.
As part of long-term reforms, Gbadegesin said LAWMA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zoomlion Nigeria to decommission the Olusosun and Solous 3 dumpsites within 18 months. The dumpsites will be replaced by waste transfer and material recovery facilities in Ikorodu and Badagry, each with the capacity to process 2,500 tons of waste daily.
“In addition to automated sorting equipment, we plan to install solar panels on the facilities to generate electricity for surrounding areas,” he added.
Gbadegesin called for stronger collaboration with residents’ associations to tackle illegal dumping and improve waste management compliance.
“Our 17,000 street sweepers cover over 1,000 routes, but this cannot reach every street. We need residents to play their part. As we always say, ‘Igbega Ipinle Eko, ajumose gbogbo wa ni’—the development of Lagos is our collective responsibility,” he concluded.
