Environment
LAWMA, MAN Collaborate for Environmental Sustainability
… Styrofoam ban in public interest
The Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), have met to discuss ways of implementing sustainable waste management strategies, following the recent ban on usage of styrofoam packs in the state. Addressing the stakeholders, managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin reiterated the Authority’s commitment to the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, stressing that the state government had to ban styrofoam to protect the environment and safeguard public health. He said: “It is necessary to establish that lack of access to a good environment, lack of awareness about the dangers of some of the items we make use of to consume food causes a lot of damage to our health. It is high time we faced the reality and choose only what is right and healthy for the people. Here in LAWMA, we are open to collaborations as long as it is for the good of the people, we will continue to support the Lagos State Government’s effort at entrenching policies that promote environmental sustainability and public health”, he noted. “It is not right to place narrow business interest of a few individuals above the larger challenge of public interest. So styrofoam has to go”, he concluded. Earlier in his opening address, the immediate past chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Frank Onyegbu, noted that the meeting was convened to be on the same page with the Lagos State government on matters of the environment, adding that a bold step was being taken by the association in providing alternatives, with the current implementation of the ban of Styrofoam products. He said: “To ensure that we are not caught up with the current situation in future, we will not wait till the government announces further ban on other products we are manufacturing. To achieve this, we will take a cursory look at how our products affect the environment and make adjustments, where necessary. “Going forward, with the present leadership of LAWMA, we are optimistic of a quality partnership with the Authority. We will work together with them to ensure we achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos”, Onyegbu added. The meeting had in attendance, management staff of LAWMA, representatives of plastic production companies in Lagos and members of MAN. In a related development, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab hosted representatives of the National Association of Supermarkets and Operators of Nigeria (NASON), where he noted that the ban on styrofoam packs should be viewed from the larger picture of public interest. He stated further that Abia State had also banned styrofoam packs, underscoring the inherent dangers it posed, adding that the decision to ban styrofoam and other single-use plastics, had been taken at the National Council on Environment in 2021, with a three-year window for commencement of enforcement in 2024. The Commissioner averred that at the expiration of the current three-week window given to distributors and sellers to mop the products in circulation, the state would commence enforcement of the ban, promising that it would be carried out in a civil but firm manner. He submitted that all other single-use plastics (SUPs) would be banned before the year ends, adding that there would be windows for deliberations with all stakeholders before a total phase-out. Wahab also urged manufacturers to be more innovative about coming up with substitutes to single-use plastics just as many countries including the massively populated India, have successfully done away with styrofoam, despite its reputation of being the country with the largest concentration of eating-out points. It will be recalled that the Lagos State government recently banned the use and production of styrofoam packs, due to its immense adverse effects on the environment.
Environment
LAWMA’S Motorized Advocacy Moves to Dopemu-Iyana Ipaja
In continuation of its state-wide campaign for environmental cleanliness, the Lagos Waste Management Authority , LAWMA, has taken its motorized advocacy campaign, tagged “ War on Waste” to Dopemu-Iyana Ipaja axis, primarily to inspire attitude change among the residents.It comes on the heels of a similar road show, held along Lekki Toll Gate, Jakande and Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government of the state.Speaking at Dopemu Roundabout by Santos Estate, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, the Managing Director/ CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the director of advocacy unit, Mr. Adewumi Adetona, noted that the campaign theme, “War on Waste”, was a determined move to tackle the menace of indiscriminate dumping, non-patronage of PSP operators and improper waste containerization prevalent in the state.He said: “With over 20 million residents, Lagos generates 13,000 metric tonnes of waste on a daily basis.
The Authority bears the brunt of evacuating much of the waste on road median, streets,canals and drainage channels everyday. However, it is not sustainable for us as an agency, to continue with the same task without sensitizing you on your role in the waste management chain. That is why we have come up with this intervention. Our Advocacy Unit has always been on the move to enlighten residents, traders and communities. This is the second public roadshow we are having and the goal is to ensure the message of sustainable waste management practices gets to everyone.“I want to implore you to relay the message to others and spread the gospel of a positive environmental consciousness to everyone around you. Let’s start from our homes by purchasing a waste bin for proper containerization of the waste we generate; separate organic waste from recyclables, patronize assigned PSP operators and pay for waste services promptly. Embrace the opportunities in recycling and start earning an income from your waste. Should you have any complaints about PSP services, call the Authority’s toll free lines and you will be attended to. Together, we can achieve a cleaner and safer Lagos,’’ he noted.Also speaking, the head of marketing and sales, Adopt-a-bin, Mrs Adedoyin Oyefusi , noted that the new smart bins, which could be acquired through installment payments, was carefully designed to prevent theft and enhance waste management efficiency for residents.She said” We are committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices that will enhance a healthy living. To achieve this, LAWMA decided to introduce smart bins to help us achieve our goal of a cleaner Lagos. This campaign is tagged “war on waste” because we do not want to see any waste dumped recklessly. Therefore, we implore you to procure the waste bins and dispose of your waste properly into the bins,’’ she stressed.The campaign train sensitized people in English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and pidgin languages on the essence of proper waste management, singing and dancing while also engaging traders and commuters on all inclusive and participatory sensitization.The roadshow which terminated at Iyana Ipaja Round About, had in attendance, the Authority’s management staff, staff members of departments and units, street sweepers, medical staff, neighbourhood watch, enforcement personnel, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and LAWMA ambassador, Alhaji Sikiru Ademola Junaid, popularly known as Lemon.For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
Environment
Sustainable Environment: LAWMA Goes on Motorised Advocacy Campaign
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has embarked on a motorised advocacy campaign, to key areas of Eti-Osa Local Government, to sensitise residents on sustainable environment, as part of activities marking the Authority’s observance of World Cleanup Day.
Adopting the theme, “Make Room for Life”, the roadshow kicked off at Lekki Toll Gate, covering Ilasan, Jakande Bus-stop, Maiyegun Beach Road, Eleganza Bus-stop, Ajah, to Abraham Adesanya, to raise awareness about environmental cleanliness and resource management of waste in Lagos State.
Speaking on the significance of the campaign, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stated that the campaign was part of the agency’s larger effort to mobilise individuals, communities, and organisations to take immediate action towards a cleaner environment.
He said, “Our goal is to drive a change in behavior and attitudes towards proper waste management in Lagos. Through this motorised advocacy, we aim to engage residents of Eti-Osa and beyond, encouraging them to adopt better waste disposal habits and embrace programs such as our Adopt-a-Bin initiative and Recycling efforts.”
Gbadegesin said the campaign was also aimed at addressing pressing waste management issues in the area, especially illegal waste dumping and cart pushing, which had posed a significant environmental challenge.
The LAWMA boss noted that the occasion of World Cleanup Day served as a reminder of the need for Lagosians to adopt sustainable waste practice, like waste sorting, recycling, and the use of designated bins, adding that the practices were key to reducing the amount of waste on the streets and landfills.
The roadshow, which involved the usage of English and the three major Nigerian languages: Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, focused on encouraging residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and featured advocacy on the importance of sorting, bagging, and containerising waste.
A significant part of the campaign was on LAWMA’s “Adopt-a-Bin” initiative, which highlighted the introduction of new geo-located smart bins, equipped with RFID panels, designed to prevent theft and enhance waste management efficiency for residents, aligning with Lagos State’s vision of becoming a smart city.
Head of LAWMA’s Advocacy Unit, Mr. Adewunmi Adetona, who addressed residents and business owners, at the event, advocated for the use of smart bins, to achieve the state’s goal of a clean and sustainable environment, adding that cleanliness in the city was essential for fostering economic growth and investment opportunities.
LAWMA’s Ambassador, Alhaji Sikiru Ademola Junaid, popularly known as Lemon, played a key role, engaging and educating the community through music, rendering the “Keep Lagos clean and recycle waste” song, to drive home the importance of waste separation.
On the campaign train were heads of LAWMA’s various departments and units, including street sanitation sweepers, medical staff, neighbourhood watch, enforcement personnel, as well as officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), demonstrating a collective commitment to achieving a cleaner and smarter Lagos State.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
Environment
World Cleanup Day: LAWMA Tackles Marine Waste
… calls for residents’ involvement in cleanup activities
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has scaled up operational activities to tackle the challenge of marine waste along the Lagos coastline, in commemoration of this year’s World Cleanup Day, with the theme: “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter”.
To this end, it has intensified efforts to rid water bodies in the state of waste debris, through the deployment of marine waste operatives, to mitigate the environmental and health hazards posed by marine litter along the coastline.
According to the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Lagos with a thriving coastal ecosystem, faces significant challenge of indiscriminate dumping of waste into its rivers, canals, and lagoons, leading to growing accumulation of marine litter, threatening the state’s rich biodiversity and human health.
He said, “We are deeply concerned about the rising level of waste that finds its way into our waterways. Marine pollution is not only a local issue, but also a global challenge, especially for cities along the coast like Lagos. LAWMA is committed to ensuring that we rid our water bodies of the litter that endangers both human and marine life”.
Gbadegesin stated that LAWMA had spearheaded an initiative aimed at combating marine waste, with the agency’s Marine Waste department, playing a pivotal role in clearing waste from Lagos waterways using specialised boats and equipment, with the efforts further supported by community sensitisation programs, to educate residents on proper waste disposal and recycling, particularly in coastal areas.
“Our Marine Waste Unit has recorded tremendous success, removing tons of waste from our waterways. But this challenge requires collective responsibility. We urge residents, especially those living in coastal and riverine communities, to be more responsible in waste management. Every piece of litter that ends up in the water poses a serious threat to our environment”, he added.
The LAWMA boss said that, as part of activities for this year’s World Clean-up Day, the Authority organised clean-up campaigns across waterfronts in the state, urging the populace to show a sense of responsibility in the quest to preserve aquatic and human lives in the metropolis.
He said further that the Authority would embark on motorised advocacy in the coming days, in Lekki and Ajah axis, to sensitise residents on the dangers inherent in dumping waste indiscriminately, especially in water bodies.
“World Cleanup Day is an opportunity for everyone to take direct action. Our waterways are a vital part of Lagos’ identity, and it’s our collective duty to protect them. I urge all residents to join us in cleaning up the city, not just because its world cleanup day but we should make it a habit. It’s not just about today; it’s about instilling long-term habits that prevent waste from reaching our water bodies”, Gbadegesin stressed.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
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