….says Lagos State to Acquire 100 CNG Trucks for Enhanced PSP Waste Operations
By Kehinde KOLAWOLE
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), recently unveiled ambitious plans aimed at revolutionizing waste management in Lagos State. Emphasizing the need for innovative solutions, he announced that the state government is set to acquire 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to enhance the operations of Private Sector Participants (PSP). This strategic move is designed to not only improve efficiency in waste collection but also promote environmentally friendly practices in the city’s ongoing efforts to manage waste sustainably.
In a press statement signed by the Director Public Affairs, Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.), it states that Dr Gbadegesin shared this announcement during a one-day interactive forum focused on sustainable waste management, hosted by the agency at the Civic Center in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the city’s waste management strategies.
In a comprehensive presentation, Dr. Gbadegesin showcased the significant progress made in waste management across Lagos State while outlining ambitious future initiatives. He pointed out that the city’s 23 million residents produce approximately 5.46 million tonnes of waste each year. To tackle this challenge, LAWMA is implementing a series of strategic measures focused on efficient waste collection, advanced treatment methods, and responsible disposal practices. These initiatives are designed to enhance the overall sustainability of waste management in the bustling metropolis.
Dr Gbadegesin said, “We are committed to providing efficient waste management services to all Lagosians. With our team of dedicated staff, we manage domestic, commercial, and medical waste across the state. We also sweep 963 routes and collect solid waste from the lagoons and waterways”.
Dr. Gbadegesin disclosed that a significant portion of the waste generated in Lagos State originates from households. To manage this effectively, LAWMA collaborates with 420 Private Sector Participants (PSPs) for the transportation and treatment of waste. Additionally, the agency’s efforts are bolstered by sweeping services on major streets, which are carried out by a dedicated team of 16,361 street sweepers. These coordinated initiatives highlight LAWMA’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness and promoting efficient waste management throughout the city.
Dr. Gbadegesin further emphasized LAWMA’s commitment to waste recovery initiatives, spotlighting the increasing emphasis on recycling and the principles of a circular economy. He noted the introduction of a two-bin system for households, designed to streamline waste sorting. One bin is designated for general waste, while the other is specifically for recyclables, encouraging residents to participate actively in sustainable waste management practices and reducing landfill contributions.
He postulated as thus, “This system will help households segregate waste at the source, boosting recycling efforts and reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills. We have already established community recycling centers and are partnering with retail points to promote extended producer responsibility,”
In alignment with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ agenda, which emphasizes health and environmental sustainability, Dr. Gbadegesin announced that LAWMA is actively exploring waste-to-energy projects. A key initiative includes the revival of a pilot biogas production plant at Ketu Fruit Market, where organic waste will be transformed into energy. This innovative approach not only addresses waste management challenges but also promotes renewable energy solutions, furthering Lagos’s commitment to sustainable development.
“We are committed to using advanced technologies to transform waste into resources, reducing Lagos’ dependence on landfills and contributing to the state’s energy needs,” he said.
Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized that LAWMA is actively addressing marine waste and hazardous materials as part of its commitment to safeguarding Lagos’s waterways and minimizing environmental risks. He outlined plans to boost recycling rates by 25% over the next three years and to transform existing waste disposal facilities into eco-parks and waste treatment plants. These initiatives are aimed at fostering a more sustainable urban environment, ensuring that Lagos evolves into a cleaner and greener city for all its residents.
He concluded as saying “Our work extends beyond the streets. We are involved in marine waste collection and the safe disposal of hazardous materials, ensuring a cleaner and safer Lagos. We are determined to build a cleaner, greener Lagos for future generations’
Similarly, in a goodwill message, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, urged for enhanced collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders to create a cleaner, more sustainable environment in the state. He highlighted that the government has initiated various projects aimed at environmental improvement, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in achieving these vital sustainability goals.
According to Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, represented by Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director of Sanitation, commended the event as a significant platform for addressing the waste management challenges facing the state. He emphasized its potential to generate actionable solutions and foster collaborative efforts among stakeholders in the pursuit of effective waste management strategies.
He noted that the unique challenges of the Lagos environment necessitate immediate action to address the numerous environmental constraints affecting the metropolis. He urged citizens to collaborate with the state government in efforts to enhance the environment, emphasizing that collective action is essential for fostering a healthier and more sustainable city.
In his welcome address, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, the Executive Director of LAWMA, underscored the pressing challenges of managing the vast amounts of waste generated daily by residents. He announced the launch of the “Adopt-a-bin” initiative, aimed at promoting effective waste containerization. Adebiyi emphasized that the stakeholders’ forum serves as a vital platform for exploring practical solutions to address the waste management needs of the community, fostering collaboration among all involved parties.
“The challenge of managing the substantial volume of waste continues to be daunting, highlighting the importance of forums like this one,” he stated. “Here, we can collaboratively assess all viable options and refine our strategies to ensure we effectively stay ahead of the situation.”
Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAWN), expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his dedication to enhancing the state’s environment and waste management system. He encouraged corporate organizations to adopt the “Adopt-a-bin” initiative as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, emphasizing that this would facilitate every household in the state in acquiring waste bins and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community.
Doyin Oyefusi, Head of Marketing at Wastecare Solutions and Resources Management, informed attendees about the features of LAWMA’s smart bins and their advantages compared to traditional bins. She highlighted how these innovative waste containers enhance efficiency in waste collection and contribute to more effective waste management practices. Her insights underscored the importance of adopting modern solutions to address the growing waste challenges in Lagos.
She explained that the smart bins are equipped with RFID chips to monitor waste collection, ensuring timely service by PSP operators. These bins also include geolocation features for easy recovery if misplaced, along with color-coding to facilitate waste separation—green for general waste and blue for recyclables. Designed for durability with a 15-year warranty, these smart bins offer significant efficiency advantages over traditional waste containers, making them a vital tool for effective waste management.
Engr. Mayowa Elefin, Managing Director of Maladase Ecopreneur Management Limited (MECOM), delivered a compelling presentation titled “Recycling: Impact on the Environment.” He emphasized the critical role of recycling in mitigating environmental challenges, highlighting its benefits such as reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and saving energy. Elefin advocated for the promotion of sustainable practices, underscoring how recycling is essential for fostering a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
Conclusively, the stakeholders’ forum included an engaging question-and-answer session, allowing participants and media representatives to pose inquiries about pressing waste management issues. This interactive segment fostered a dynamic dialogue, enabling attendees to seek clarity and share insights on key challenges facing the sector.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
