Lagos set to unlock waste management value chain with LAWMA facility revamp
Nike Popoola
Lagos State is set to unlock the economic potential of its waste management value chain through the revamp of existing Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to improve efficiency, boost recycling and support a circular economy.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin stated this while speaking on “Your View,” a discussion programme aired on TVC.
A statement from the Director Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, said he explained that waste management challenges in the state were partly linked to gaps in infrastructure, noting that a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos required continuous upgrades to its waste transfer and recovery systems, among others.
According to him, the ongoing revamp of TLS and MRFs would enhance waste evacuation, increase material recovery, reduce pressure on disposal sites, and create opportunities for private sector participation across the waste management value chain.
Dr. Gbadegesin acknowledged the role of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, describing their work as difficult but essential to maintaining cleanliness across the State, adding that LAWMA was always there to provide back-up services wherever there was challenge.
He described illegal dumping as irresponsible waste disposal practice, often associated with informal settlements and unapproved locations, stressing that such practices posed risks to public health and the environment.
The LAWMA boss reiterated that residents were expected to properly bag their waste, register with accredited PSP operators, and pay for waste collection services to ensure effective service delivery.
He disclosed that LAWMA was piloting a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, where a biodigester is being used to convert organic waste into energy, demonstrating the benefits of a circular economy approach.
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On enforcement, he emphasised that LAWMA would continue to maintain a firm stance on environmental infractions, intensifying efforts to prosecute offenders, while urging residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping and report any violations to the authorities.
