The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has restated its commitment to achieving a zero-waste Lagos, aligning with global efforts to minimise waste generation and maximise resource recovery.
Speaking on the occasion of International Zero Waste Day, themed ‘Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles’, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised the need for sustainable waste management practices.
He highlighted LAWMA’s ongoing initiatives to reduce landfill dependence, increase recycling rates, and promote responsible waste disposal among residents.
Gbadegesin stressed that achieving a zero-waste Lagos requires active participation from all residents.
“The International Zero Waste Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect the environment by adopting sustainable waste management practices.
“At LAWMA, we are fully committed to policies and programmes that support zero-waste principles, including waste sorting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives.
“However, for these efforts to succeed, every Lagosian must take responsibility for proper waste disposal and environmental sustainability.”
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He outlined key LAWMA initiatives, including the expansion of the Lagos Recycle programme, the promotion of circular economy practices, and stricter enforcement of environmental laws.
In line with this year’s theme, Dr Gbadegesin revealed that LAWMA would take decisive steps to manage textile waste, which constitutes approximately 8% of the 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily in Lagos.
“LAWMA plans to ban textile waste from all landfills in the state. We are collaborating with Tejuosho Market in Yaba to collect textile waste for recycling.
“Additionally, students at the LAWMA Academy are being trained to upcycle textile waste into practical products, promoting sustainability while creating economic opportunities for residents.”
Gbadegesin also highlighted LAWMA’s Waste-to-Wealth initiatives, where organic waste is converted into compost and other useful by-products.
He noted that LAWMA’s partnerships with private firms had facilitated the recycling of plastic, aluminium cans, and glass, further strengthening the circular economy in Lagos.
“We have seen remarkable progress in our waste conversion efforts. Organic waste, which forms a significant percentage of our total waste, is being processed into compost for agricultural use.
“Our collaborations with the private sector have enabled more waste materials to be repurposed, creating economic opportunities for residents.”
Gbadegesin further stated that LAWMA’s marine waste team had intensified efforts to clear waste from Lagos’ waterways, focusing on cleaning operations along the coastline, drainage channels, and flood-prone areas, including Five Cowries Creek.
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Reaffirming LAWMA’s zero-tolerance policy on environmental infractions, he urged Lagosians to support the state’s zero-waste vision by complying with waste management laws, embracing recycling, and ensuring proper waste disposal through assigned PSP operators.
“Community participation remains a key factor in sustaining a cleaner and healthier Lagos. We urge all residents to play their part in making Lagos a model city for waste management and environmental responsibility.
