Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, revealed the plan during a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, saying the move is aimed at addressing the rising waste challenge in hard-to-reach areas and across the metropolis.
He noted that while mobile tricycle compactors have already been deployed in areas such as Ibeju Lekki, the programme would be expanded to cover more communities for effective waste management. “Lagos State would need a minimum of 2,000 compactors to tackle the increasing waste issue caused by population growth and infrastructure constraints,” Gbadegesin said.
The state, home to four million households, generates an estimated 13,000 to 15,000 tonnes of waste daily, according to Gbadegesin. However, the 450 Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators engaged in waste collection can handle only between 4,000 and 5,000 tonnes daily. “The balance ends up in drains, canals, lagoons, and wetlands,” he said, noting that 12 per cent of Lagos is wetland area, often misused for illegal dumping.
The LAWMA boss urged residents to participate in the state government’s waste-to-wealth initiatives and avoid littering. He stressed that about 90 per cent of waste generated in Lagos has economic value and that limited land availability necessitates efficient waste management.
“We are transitioning from a linear waste management system to an environmentally friendly and sustainable system, where waste is seen as a resource. The volume of waste ending up in landfills will be reduced to the barest minimum,” Gbadegesin said.
He also highlighted infrastructure challenges, including the need for more bins and collection equipment. “We currently have 80,000 smart bins being rolled out, but with four million households, a lot more are needed,” he said, adding that regular payment of waste management bills by residents is crucial for PSP operators to function effectively.
Gbadegesin disclosed that 22 PSP operators had been removed and their contracts reassigned for failing to perform adequately. He also pledged continued collaboration with local government chairmen to ensure cleaner communities, urging them to take active responsibility for waste management and street trading in their areas.