The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) issued 343 contravention notices to construction sites across various locations in the state over the past year. Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, revealed this during an ongoing ministerial press briefing commemorating one year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term administration, held at Alausa, Ikeja.
He stated that these notices were issued due to non-compliance with the construction waste regulation procedures overseen by LAWMA. Additionally, Wahab mentioned that 354 new introduction notices were issued to construction firms within the same timeframe, and enforcement actions were taken against 10 persistent violators.
The commissioner also revealed that LAWMA, in collaboration with the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources, had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Government and Jospong Group, focusing on waste treatment solutions. This MoU involved identifying existing landfill sites for the proper re-engineering of the solid waste management system, with the aim of creating employment opportunities.
Furthermore, he discussed LAWMA’s partnerships with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to pinpoint locations for installing plastic recycling facilities. This initiative aimed to significantly reduce the presence of plastic items in the environment and promote job creation.
Additionally, he highlighted the expansion of LAWMA’s Marine Unit, which acquired five additional rafters within the last year to aid in the collection of on-shore and off-shore waste.
Regarding markets in the state, the commissioner noted LAWMA’s continuous year-round engagement with stakeholders, leading to notable improvements in hygiene practices, waste containerization, and evacuation.
Wahab emphasized that LAWMA, during the review period, apprehended and prosecuted approximately 1,100 individuals for environmental offenses, with the majority receiving sentences of community service or fines.
He stressed the importance of sustaining the agency’s achievements through ongoing stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment via various media platforms, advocating for efficient waste management practices across all segments of society.
The commissioner commended LAWMA Academy for expanding its reach in waste management education, with an average of 1,400 pupils from eight primary schools across the state receiving education on the subject.
Lastly, Wahab urged residents to refrain from reckless waste disposal at unauthorized locations, particularly as the rainy season approaches, to prevent adverse environmental consequences, while also applauding LAWMA for maintaining a 24-hour response time to complaints.
