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LAWMA’S Motorized Advocacy Moves to Dopemu-Iyana Ipaja

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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.

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Environment

LAWMA Intensifies Night Surveillance to Curb Indiscriminate Waste Dumping

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…says “No hiding place for offenders”

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has ramped up its night surveillance operations, leaving no hiding place for persons hiding under the cover of darkness, to dispose of their waste at illegal locations. The agency has reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, ensuring that offenders are identified and prosecuted accordingly.Speaking on the renewed offensive, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement teams were operating round the clock, to track and apprehend individuals who defy waste management regulations, noting that the heightened night monitoring was yielding results, as multiple arrests had been made in recent days.Commenting further, he cited instances of recent arrests: “On 7 February 2025, at approximately 9:20 p.m., LAWMA’s enforcement team caught an individual, Engineer Akinsola, unlawfully dumping refuse at the road median along Egbeda-Akowonjo Road, near Micom Bus Stop. Upon interrogation, the suspect falsely claimed to be a police officer. Further investigation at his residence confirmed the absence of a designated waste storage facility and no record of registration with an authorised Private Sector Participant (PSP) for waste disposal. Akinsola admitted that his landlord had instructed him to dispose of the waste at the road median. He is being prosecuted accordingly.“Also in another incident, LAWMA’s Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team, responded to a complaint about illegal dumping at Abati Primary School, Shasha Road. Upon arrival, the team discovered extensive waste disposal infractions and apprehended over 25 individuals. Among those arrested were six vehicle owners who had used their cars to transport and dispose of large volumes of waste. All arrested environmental violators will be prosecuted.”The LAWMA boss cited yet another incident: “On 5 February 2025, at approximately 10:37 p.m., an individual identified as Fatima was caught dumping waste at the road median near Micom Bus Stop along Akowonjo Road. Investigations revealed that her residence lacked a designated waste storage facility, and she was not registered with a PSP for waste collection services. She, too, will be prosecuted for flouting environmental laws.”Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA was not only intensifying enforcement but also expanding its public sensitisation efforts, as the agency’s advocacy team was conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns, educating residents on proper waste disposal practices.He urged residents to report challenges or dissatisfaction with waste collection services to LAWMA instead of resorting to illegal dumping, particularly at night, as loose waste at illegal dumpsites indicates that many households around the area do not own waste bins.Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy towards environmental infractions and emphasised that every Lagos resident had a role to play in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment, encouraging residents to make use of the agency’s dedicated customer service channels, to report any issues with waste collection, stressing that indiscriminate dumping would no longer be tolerated.He said: “LAWMA remains steadfast in its mission to transform Lagos into a cleaner and more sustainable city, ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice. We want to urge all residents to comply with waste management regulations and contribute to a cleaner metropolis for all.”For inquiries, complaints, or further updates, please contact LAWMA through the toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.

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LAWMA Intensifies Enforcement, Waste Clean-up Across Lagos

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… Agency Urges Residents to Stop Patronising Cart Pushers

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its enforcement and clean-up operations across the state to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and maintain environmental sustainability.The agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised LAWMA’s unwavering commitment to keeping Lagos clean, noting that the monitoring and enforcement team had been mobilised to ensure compliance with waste management laws of the state.He said, “LAWMA remains resolute in stamping out illegal waste disposal and environmental violations. Our Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Anti-Cart Pushers Squad has been actively dislodging illegal waste operators who contribute to the degradation of our environment. We urge residents to desist from patronising them and instead work with registered PSP operators for proper waste disposal.”Gbadegesin said the enforcement team recently carried out major operations in areas like Ifako-Ijaiye, Dopemu, Agege, Ojodu Berger, and other parts of Lagos, apprehending cart pushers known for collecting waste and dumping it at unauthorised locations, stressing that such activities violated environmental laws and undermined the state government’s efforts at maintaining a clean and livable city.He warned that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and anyone caught engaging in cart pushing would be made to face the full wrath of the law.The LAWMA boss further noted that the Authority had also commenced the evacuation of waste from illegal dumpsites along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, particularly behind Circle Mall, adding that the operation, simultaneously taking place at Mile 2 Badagry expressway, would continue in the coming weeks, in line with the agency’s ongoing efforts to clear accumulated waste, remove silt along the median and verges and prevent indiscriminate disposal along highways.In a separate exercise, LAWMA has intensified efforts to clean up Lagos waterways, ensuring that rivers and water bodies remain free of waste and blockages. The initiative is aimed at reducing environmental pollution and promoting cleaner water channels across the state.Gbadegesin urged Lagosians to support LAWMA’s initiatives in 2025, by properly disposing of their waste, reporting service gaps, and calling the agency’s helplines for backup waste collection services.”A cleaner Lagos is achievable when everyone plays their part. We urge residents to work with assigned PSP operators, report waste-related infractions, and adopt responsible waste disposal habits. Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier city for all,” he added.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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LAWMA Trains Staff of Ekiti State Waste Management Authority

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The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced a three-day training for some staff members of Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), on professional approach to waste management.

The EKSWAMA team, led by its Director-General, Mr Olasunkanmi Onipede, was received by the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin and his management team.

Welcoming them at LAWMA headquarters, Ijora Olopa, Gbadegesin expressed his delight, stressing that the Authority was always open to resource sharing, just as it had done with other states and some West African countries, on modern waste management techniques.

His words, “ LAWMA, was initially established in 1977 as a refuse collection board but the current structure of the authority came about in 1999. The incumbent president of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was the Governor of Lagos State then restructured LAWMA to a scientific and professional waste management authority.

Since then, LAWMA keeps coming up with new innovations. Managing the waste of 23 million people who generate 13 tonnes of waste daily is not a child’s play, we continue to learn, unlearn and relearn in the process of waste management”
“Today, we have incorporated over 400 PSPs, who have at least two compactors each to evacuate household waste across the state. Currently, LAWMA is working round the clock and transiting from a linear into a circular economy system, embracing the reduce, reuse and recycle model. This is the best place you can come to learn, as we have the best hands who will share both theoretical and practical insights about waste management with you. I assure you that at the end of the three days training, you will still have to come back for more.’’ he noted.

Responding, the Director-General of EKSWAMA, Mr. Olasunkanmi Onipede, noted that the purpose of the training was to understudy LAWMA’s waste management operation, which according to him, was worth emulating, in order to be replicated in Ekiti State.

He said: “Coming from a state where we manage the waste of nearly 3.5 million people to Lagos State where over 23 million residents’ waste is managed, means that we are in the right place to learn from. What we are concerned about, is how we can replicate Lagos Waste Management system in Ekiti State. From all we have seen, we are optimistic that this training is just a step to more partnerships with LAWMA. We are ready to drink from your wealth of knowledge and get EKSWAMA’s regulations right. We are glad to be here and thank you for having us’’, Onipede said.

Also speaking, LAWMA’s Head of PSP Domestic Services, Dr. Tunde Suleiman, who took the team through the first lecture on general overview of solid waste management principles and practices, highlighted the processes involved in waste management from the collection to the disposal.

He said: “The waste management sector keeps evolving and that is why in LAWMA, we emphasise environmental best practices in the industry. A lot of processes are involved, from the collection of waste to the treatment, transportation and disposal stages, as the Authority manages different types of waste ranging from hazardous, commercial, recyclable, organic, healthcare, as well as domestic waste.”

Sulaiman however, noted that the Authority had adopted advocacy and sensitisation as essential tools in managing waste in a megacity like Lagos, adding that sensitising the people complemented LAWMA’s operational efforts.

”If we have to roll out all the compactors we have to evacuate waste in public spaces, we will still be in need of more and that is too expensive to fund. Therefore, we adopted continuous advocacy and sensitisation, in order to work on the mindset of people, our focus is attitudinal change. If residents embrace a positive change towards the environment, we won’t have to be clearing the roads every day. So, the challenge we have is residents’ poor attitude to the environment. Enforcement on the other hand is always a last result’’. he stressed

The director of Medical Health and Safety Services, Dr. Mrs. Modupe Okoh, gave the general safety talk, while the director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, took the team through the schedule of activities of the three-day training. The team were also shown short documentaries of LAWMA’s activities.

The Three days training, would cover all the core areas of the Authority’s waste management system; ranging from operations, landfill management, advocacy, Admin and Human resource, Circular Economy, waste management finance, environmental health, legal services, monitoring and compliance among others. Field trips will be undertaken to Olusosun landfill, waste to energy plant at IKosi-Ketu and LAWMA Mushin operational district.

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