The agency made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, following comments by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, during a recent appearance on Your View, a discussion programme aired on TVC.
According to Gbadegesin, the rapid growth of Lagos as a megacity has placed increasing pressure on existing waste management systems, particularly waste transfer and recovery infrastructure. He noted that without continuous upgrades, the city would struggle to cope with the volume of waste generated daily.
“Waste management challenges in the state were partly linked to gaps in infrastructure,” Gbadegesin said. “A rapidly growing megacity like Lagos requires continuous upgrades to its waste transfer and recovery systems, among others.”
To address these gaps, LAWMA is embarking on the revamp of its Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) across the state. Gbadegesin explained that the initiative is designed to enhance waste evacuation, increase material recovery, reduce pressure on landfill sites and attract greater private sector participation along the waste management value chain.
He added that the reforms would also strengthen recycling efforts and support the state’s push towards a circular economy, where waste is treated as a resource rather than a liability.
The LAWMA boss acknowledged the role of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, describing their work as demanding but critical to maintaining cleanliness across Lagos. He assured residents that the agency remains on standby to provide backup services whenever operators face operational challenges.
Gbadegesin also raised concerns about illegal dumping, describing it as a reckless practice often associated with informal settlements and unauthorised dump sites. He warned that such activities pose serious risks to public health and the environment.
He urged residents to take greater responsibility for proper waste disposal by packaging their waste correctly, registering with approved PSP operators and paying for collection services to ensure effective and sustainable waste management.
In line with innovation and sustainability, Gbadegesin disclosed that LAWMA is piloting a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, where a biodigester is being used to convert organic waste into energy. He said the project demonstrates the practical benefits of adopting a circular economy approach to waste management.
On enforcement, he stressed that LAWMA would maintain a firm stance against environmental infractions, intensifying efforts to prosecute offenders. He also encouraged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping and promptly report violations to the appropriate authorities.
LAWMA is the statutory agency responsible for solid waste management and environmental sanitation in Lagos State. Established by the state government, the authority was created to tackle the growing waste challenges driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and expanding economic activities.
Over the years, the agency has transitioned from direct waste collection to a public–private partnership model, engaging private operators to improve efficiency and expand service coverage across residential, commercial and industrial areas, in pursuit of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.