The Lagos State Government has explained the recent waste accumulation witnessed in some parts of the state, attributing the situation to ongoing changes in waste disposal logistics and assuring residents that decisive steps are being taken to address the challenge.
Stated in a post on X today, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Philip Wahab, said, “The Lagos State Government is aware of concerns regarding waste accumulation in some areas and wishes to provide a clear explanation of the situation and the decisive steps being taken to address it.” He explained that the issue followed the ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill, which had necessitated a major shift in waste evacuation patterns across the state.
According to Wahab, “the ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill has necessitated a significant shift in waste disposal logistics,” noting that refuse previously transported to Olusosun is now being moved to alternative facilities in Epe and Badagry. He acknowledged that this transition has affected operations, stating that, “This change has, understandably, increased turnaround times for some Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and created temporary pressure within the evacuation system.”
To address the situation, the commissioner said the Lagos Waste Management Authority had been directed to step in. “To bolster our response, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been directed to provide immediate support in areas where PSP operators are overwhelmed,” he said, adding that “Intervention activities are actively ongoing, particularly at identified black spots across the state.” Wahab also disclosed that discussions are ongoing to strengthen LAWMA’s capacity through additional logistics, explaining that “discussions are ongoing about the procurement and deployment of additional trucks to improve response times and ensure more efficient evacuation.”
Beyond evacuation efforts, Wahab announced stricter enforcement against environmental violations. “A dedicated Task Force has been established to specifically combat illegal roadside dumping and indiscriminate waste disposal caused majorly by illegal road side trading throughout Lagos,” he said. He added that the task force “will be strategically deployed and fully empowered to enforce environmental laws without exception with their 24 hours surveillance and enforcement operations.”
The commissioner also appealed to residents to play their part, especially during social activities and festivities. “As we collectively address these operational challenges, we also appeal to all residents to celebrate responsibly,” he said, urging Lagosians to “dispose of all waste appropriately through your approved PSP operators and shunning any act of littering.”
Reassuring residents, Wahab stated, “While we take full responsibility for these inconveniences, let me assure all Lagosians that this administration is fully committed to the vision of a cleaner, more orderly, and sustainable city.” He stressed that “The current challenges are being actively and systematically addressed through deliberate and targeted measures.”
He concluded by urging continued cooperation from residents, saying, “We urge residents to continue partnering with us by patronizing only approved PSP operators and adhering to responsible waste disposal practices. Together, we will achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos.”
Ademide Adebayo
Follow us on:
