The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has initiated a strategic media partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). This collaboration aims to amplify LAWMA’s programmes, initiatives, and successes, ensuring wider visibility and engagement with Lagos residents.
At a high-level meeting held at LAWMA’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, welcomed the NAN delegation led by Mrs. Omowole Ifeyinwa, head of editorial operations. He commended the agency for its interest in strengthening LAWMA’s media presence and reinforcing public education on proper waste disposal.
Mrs. Ifeyinwa emphasized NAN’s commitment to providing extensive media coverage that would position LAWMA for global recognition and investment opportunities. She outlined various media tools such as press releases, advertisements, and documentaries that could be leveraged to promote LAWMA’s initiatives and ensure accurate dissemination of information to the grassroots level.
“The proposed partnership will include the production of documentaries showcasing LAWMA’s achievements and ongoing efforts in environmental sustainability. This will help educate residents on best waste management practices and encourage more participation in recycling and responsible waste disposal,” she stated.
Dr. Gbadegesin highlighted LAWMA’s continuous advocacy efforts, noting the challenges posed by the rapid migration into Lagos. He stressed the importance of educating new residents on proper waste disposal methods to prevent indiscriminate dumping.
“Our advocacy team has been working tirelessly to educate every resident about our policies. However, with a city growing at this pace, media collaborations such as this one with NAN are crucial for wider reach and impact,” he said.
Further detailing LAWMA’s innovative strides, he spoke about the agency’s shift towards a circular economy and the recent feasibility study conducted with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and Swedfund, a Swedish investment firm. The study explores converting organic waste into biofuel to power Lagos’ mass transit fleet, a model inspired by Sweden’s sustainable waste management approach.
“We aim to replicate Sweden’s success, where compactor trucks and buses run on biomethane. This will not only reduce our dependence on landfills but also improve environmental sustainability,” he noted.
Additionally, Gbadegesin discussed LAWMA’s recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghanaian firm Jospong Group to further enhance waste management strategies in Lagos. He reiterated LAWMA’s long-term goal of diverting 90% of waste from dumpsites through recycling and resource recovery.
He also underscored the role of Private Sector Participation (PSP) in waste management, highlighting the efforts of 428 PSP operators working with LAWMA to handle Lagos’ daily waste generation of approximately 13,000 tonnes. Encouraging recycling, he pointed out that companies are increasingly willing to purchase recyclable materials, making waste management not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity for residents.
For further inquiries, complaints, or updates, residents can reach LAWMA via the toll-free numbers 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
