The Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has appealed to residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits, stressing that proper waste handling is key to building a cleaner, more liveable, and sustainable Lagos.
Speaking during a television programme, Gbadegesin highlighted the realities of managing waste in a fast-growing мегacity and emphasized that keeping Lagos clean requires shared responsibility between government and residents. He explained that LAWMA continues to intensify waste evacuation and management efforts across the state, strengthening routine collection while persistently clearing major waste flashpoints caused by indiscriminate dumping and poor handling practices.
According to him, such unhealthy practices often undermine the progress being made in the sector. He therefore encouraged households and businesses to adopt basic waste-sorting habits, noting that separating recyclable materials from general waste would improve collection efficiency, support recycling activities, and significantly reduce pressure on landfill sites.
Gbadegesin also pointed to LAWMA’s increasing focus on recycling, urging residents to see waste not just as refuse but as a resource with economic value. He explained that recycling initiatives can drive job creation, attract private sector investment, and contribute to environmental protection.
Advocating a shift from the traditional “collect and dump” model, the LAWMA boss called for the adoption of a circular economy approach where materials are recovered, reused, and recycled. He said this model offers vast economic and business opportunities while minimizing environmental damage.
On enforcement, Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to upholding environmental laws and ensuring accountability. He revealed that about 400 cases of environmental offences were prosecuted in 2025, including a recent case where an offender caught dumping waste indiscriminately is currently serving a jail term.
He urged residents to support LAWMA’s efforts by avoiding illegal dumping and promptly reporting environmental violations, noting that public cooperation remains critical to maintaining cleanliness and order across Lagos.
Gbadegesin concluded by reiterating LAWMA’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to strengthen waste management systems and promote a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Lagos State.
