The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable city, dismissing claims circulating on social media that the state has an unpleasant odour.
In a statement released yesterday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that Lagos is undergoing a transformation driven by strategic environmental initiatives.
“Lagos is not smelling; it is evolving towards sustainable waste processing, modernized landfill management, cleaner waterways, and structured sanitation systems,” Wahab stated.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to building a resilient and livable city.”
The commissioner highlighted several steps taken by the government to address waste and sanitation challenges in the fast-growing megacity.
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He said the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has expanded waste collection services to hard-to-reach areas.
In partnership with Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Wahab said the state has introduced tricycle compactors for waste collection in areas with non-motorable roads. There are also plans to deploy 500 more of these compactors later this year.
To improve landfill management, he noted that Lagos will transition the Olusosun and Solous 3 landfills into Transfer Loading Stations over the next 18 months.
These stations, he said, will serve as hubs where waste will be sorted, compacted, and redirected for recycling.
Wahab said: “As part of its efforts to generate clean energy, the state is advancing its Waste-to-Energy project in Epe. This facility will process 2,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily and generate between 60 to 80 megawatts of electricity, contributing to the Lagos power grid.
“Lagos has also taken steps to reduce plastic waste. The state has banned styrofoam food packs and is gradually phasing out single-use plastics. Additionally, the government is encouraging manufacturers to adopt sustainable alternatives through Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR).
“To monitor environmental conditions, over 50 air quality monitors have been installed across the state. The government is also implementing bio-remediation techniques to improve water quality in lagoons and canals. Furthermore, stricter regulations on industrial effluent discharge have resulted in a 25% reduction in pollution over the past two years.
“In addition to waste management, the state is prioritizing public sanitation and urban greening. To maintain clean streets, 15,000 street sweepers are deployed daily across highways, inner roads, and markets.
“To curb open defecation and improve hygiene, the state is constructing 150 additional public toilets. Another 250 will be built through public-private partnerships.
“To enhance the city’s greenery, the Lagos Parks and Gardens Agency recently launched the “Trees for Lagos” initiative. Under this campaign, 50,000 trees will be planted over the next two years in key locations such as highways, schools, and hospitals.”
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Wahab assured residents that Lagos remains at the forefront of waste recovery, recycling, and environmental sustainability.
“The state government has signed multiple agreements with international partners to develop waste-to-resource initiatives, ensuring Lagos stays ahead in environmental innovation,” he said.
He called on residents to support its efforts by adhering to waste disposal regulations and embracing a cleaner, greener lifestyle.
