Lagos waste management reform
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to shut down outdated dumpsites across the state and replace them with modern waste management and recycling facilities as part of ongoing efforts to improve environmental sustainability and public health.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) under the supervision of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, seeks to transform waste handling from open dumping to a more efficient, technology-driven system that aligns with international best practices.
Speaking during an inspection tour of waste facilities across the metropolis, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the government was determined to phase out aging and poorly managed dumpsites that no longer meet environmental safety standards.
“We are moving away from the era of indiscriminate dumping of waste. Lagos deserves a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable system that protects lives and the environment,” Wahab stated.
“Our plan is to close old dumpsites and replace them with engineered landfills equipped with gas recovery systems and recycling plants.”
A shift toward sustainable waste management
According to the commissioner, the government is already conducting environmental impact assessments (EIA) and feasibility studies to identify suitable locations for new sanitary landfills that can handle Lagos’s daily waste output, estimated at over 13,000 metric tonnes.
“We are currently working with technical experts and development partners to design world-class facilities that will promote circular economy principles — reduce, reuse, and recycle,” Wahab said.
He emphasized that the move would not only enhance environmental protection but also create new jobs in the waste recycling and green energy sectors, while improving air and water quality in surrounding communities.
LAWMA’s new operational strategy
The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, explained that the authority is already implementing a three-phase waste reform agenda focusing on collection efficiency, resource recovery, and infrastructure modernization.
“We are introducing transfer loading stations, material recovery facilities, and waste-to-energy projects across the state. This will ensure that refuse is processed scientifically rather than dumped indiscriminately,” he said.
Gbadegesin noted that LAWMA is also strengthening its partnership with Private Sector Participants (PSPs) to improve waste collection at the community level, while enforcing compliance through increased monitoring and penalties for illegal dumping.
Community engagement and enforcement
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the commissioner said the government would intensify public enlightenment campaigns to encourage proper waste separation at source and promote citizen participation in environmental sanitation.
“Environmental management is a collective responsibility. We are working with local councils, community leaders, and schools to make sure Lagosians understand the importance of proper waste handling,” Wahab noted.
He added that the Environmental Sanitation Corps and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials would continue to enforce laws against indiscriminate dumping, open burning, and illegal cart-pushing activities that contribute to flooding and pollution.
Background: Old dumpsites to be phased out
Lagos currently operates several major dumpsites — including Olusosun in Ojota, Solous in Igando, and Epe landfill — many of which have been in use for over two decades and are nearing their environmental capacity limits.
Experts say prolonged use of such sites poses risks of groundwater contamination, air pollution, and fire outbreaks.
The planned closure of these facilities marks a major milestone in the state’s transition toward smart environmental management, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly the pillar on “Health and Environment.”
“We are taking bold steps to make Lagos a clean, livable megacity. Waste is no longer a burden; it is a resource,” Wahab reiterated.
A new era for Lagos’s environment
Environmental analysts have commended the government’s proactive approach, saying it could make Lagos a model for sustainable waste management in West Africa if implemented effectively.
They, however, advised that the government should prioritize waste sorting infrastructure, community recycling hubs, and transparent funding mechanisms to ensure long-term success.
With the closure of outdated dumpsites and the introduction of smart, eco-friendly waste systems, Lagos appears poised to achieve a cleaner, greener, and healthier urban environment — setting a new benchmark for environmental governance in Nigeria.
About the Author
