The Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has issued a strong caution to Lagos residents and property owners: clean up your environment or face strict consequences, including the possibility of losing your property.
Speaking on a radio programme on Lagos Talks 91.3FM on Monday, Dr. Gbadegesin made it clear that maintaining a clean environment is not just the government’s job, but a shared duty for all. He emphasized that no one is exempt – whether you’re the landlord or just a tenant, everyone must take responsibility for keeping their surroundings tidy.
“If you live in a house, it’s your duty to clean around it. LAWMA won’t sweep your frontage for you,” he said, stressing that neglect of cleanliness will no longer be tolerated.
To crack down on illegal dumping, LAWMA is preparing to deploy drones to monitor waste disposal practices across the city, an innovative step aimed at identifying and penalizing defaulters.
Dr. Gbadegesin noted that while waste management remains a challenge, Nigerians are rising to the occasion, driven by resilience and a growing understanding of the sector’s value. “Many people still don’t see the wealth in waste, but things are changing,” he said.
However, the LAWMA boss also pointed out that private waste operators are struggling due to non-payment by a large number of residents. In response, the agency is offering support to PSPs by introducing compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, which are more cost-efficient and eco-friendly.
As part of broader reforms, LAWMA is rapidly scaling up its recycling programme. Hundreds of recycling firms now operate in the state, offering door-to-door collection and community exchange centres where residents can trade recyclables for rewards.
In a major move, LAWMA has signed an agreement with Zoomlion Nigeria to shut down two of Lagos’ biggest dumpsites – Olusosun in Ojota and Solous 3 in Igando – within 18 months. The plan includes converting the sites into transfer stations and building new material recovery facilities in Ikorodu and Badagry. These facilities will be equipped to process thousands of tons of waste daily, using high-tech systems to sort plastics, textiles, and metals. Solar energy installations will also be introduced to power the sites.
Dr. Gbadegesin also revealed that LAWMA is working closely with community associations, such as the Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association (LERA), to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of sanitation rules.
“We have 17,000 street sweepers working across 1,000 routes, but that doesn’t cover everywhere. Residents need to support these efforts by keeping their frontages and communities clean,” he said.
He concluded with a rallying call: “Igbega Ipinle Eko, Ajumose gbogbo wa ni” – meaning the progress of Lagos is everyone’s responsibility.
