LAWMA Unveils Major Waste Management Push as Lagos Battles Evacuation Challenges
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced an aggressive package of interventions aimed at improving waste evacuation and environmental sanitation across Lagos State, assuring residents that ongoing operational challenges are being addressed through immediate and long-term strategic measures.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed the development while outlining the agency's ongoing efforts to strengthen waste management operations, expand infrastructure, and improve service delivery throughout the state.
According to him, recent difficulties in waste evacuation experienced in some communities were largely linked to operational constraints surrounding access to key disposal facilities, particularly during the peak of the rainy season. He, however, emphasized that government was implementing comprehensive solutions designed to restore efficiency and enhance the overall waste management system.
One of the critical interventions underway is the rehabilitation of Road E at the Olusosun disposal facility, being executed by LAWMA's waste-to-wealth partner, ZoomLion Nigeria Limited. Preliminary works have already commenced, with the project expected to improve access to the site, reduce turnaround time for waste trucks, and boost operational efficiency.
To mitigate immediate challenges, LAWMA has also revived and optimized the use of Transfer Loading Stations (TLSs) across the state. The stations are serving as temporary hubs that enable quicker collection and movement of waste from communities while larger infrastructure upgrades continue.
In a major boost to waste collection capacity, the Lagos State Government is supporting the acquisition of additional waste collection vehicles for Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators. Dr. Gbadegesin revealed that 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) compactor trucks are expected to be deployed across Lagos in the coming months.
He added that 10 new compactor trucks, donated by the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Board, have already been deployed to reinforce waste collection operations and improve service delivery in affected areas.
Beyond operational improvements, the government has intensified enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal and environmental violations. As part of this effort, a coordinated Waste Police Initiative has been established, bringing together transport unions, community groups, and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental compliance and discourage illegal dumping.
Dr. Gbadegesin further disclosed that the government is exploring collaborative arrangements with neighboring states to complement Lagos' existing waste disposal infrastructure. The initiative is expected to improve operational flexibility and create additional channels for waste evacuation when necessary.
Despite the challenges faced in recent months, LAWMA reported significant operational achievements. The agency's disposal facilities received more than 418,500 tonnes of waste in May 2026, while ongoing sanitation operations are clearing approximately 3,000 environmental blackspots daily across the state.
The Authority is also investing heavily in future waste management infrastructure. Construction is currently underway on new Transfer Loading Stations at Olusosun and Solous III, facilities that are projected to divert up to 4,000 tonnes of waste daily to recycling and treatment plants upon completion.
According to LAWMA, the projects will significantly reduce pressure on existing disposal sites while advancing Lagos State's circular economy agenda. The facilities are expected to increase recycling rates, promote material recovery, and support broader waste-to-resource initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable waste management ecosystem.
Dr. Gbadegesin appealed to residents to continue patronizing approved PSP operators, avoid indiscriminate waste disposal, and cooperate with government efforts to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.
He assured Lagosians that the current operational challenges were temporary and that noticeable improvements in waste collection services would emerge as the various interventions take effect.
Reaffirming LAWMA's commitment to excellence, the agency's chief executive stated that all relevant stakeholders remain fully engaged in efforts to restore optimal service levels and deliver a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos for residents.
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