The Lagos State Government has called for stronger partnerships with industry players to address the environmental risks associated with construction, demolition, and disaster waste (CDDW).
At a one-day stakeholder forum held in Ikoyi, organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Wastecare Solutions Ltd., experts and regulators converged to chart new strategies for responsible waste handling.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Mr. Adeoye Babajide, said Lagos must rethink how it manages waste generated from rapid urbanisation. According to him, the state is shifting focus from conventional waste disposal to a circular economy model that prioritises reuse, recycling, and efficiency.
“Compliance is key. This forum is about collective responsibility. Projects that fail to adopt proper waste management practices risk sanctions, including site closure,” Wahab warned.
LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by Executive Director Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, highlighted the central role of collaboration in delivering results. He said the state’s THEMES+ Agenda cannot succeed without private sector buy-in.
A keynote address by Dr. Tijani Ajibola on “Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice” stressed that poor waste handling contributes to pollution and long-term environmental harm. He called for integrating sustainable practices from project design to completion.
Traditional and professional bodies also pledged support, with goodwill messages from the Oba of Iru Land, Architect Nigeria, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, Ministry of Housing, and other agencies. The International Facility Management Association (Nigeria Chapter) also joined the call for compliance and innovation.
The forum closed with a panel discussion that explored policy enforcement, recycling initiatives, and ways to mainstream environmental responsibility into Lagos’ construction industry.
