The Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has urged residents to embrace responsible waste disposal practices, stressing that proper handling of waste remains fundamental to achieving a cleaner, more liveable and sustainable Lagos.
He explained that LAWMA had sustained its waste evacuation and management operations across the state, with renewed efforts aimed at strengthening routine collection services and persistently clearing identified flashpoints.
Gbadegesin made the call while responding to questions on a popular television programme, where he shed light on the realities of waste management in a fast-growing Š¼ŠµŠ³acity and the shared responsibilities required of both government and citizens to keep Lagos clean and orderly.
According to him, many of these flashpoints are caused by indiscriminate dumping and poor waste handling practices, which continue to undermine progress in the sector.
The LAWMA boss encouraged residents to adopt basic waste sorting practices, emphasising the importance of sorting waste at source.
He noted that separating recyclable materials from general waste would improve collection efficiency, boost recycling activities and significantly reduce the pressure on landfill sites.
Highlighting the Authorityās growing focus on recycling, the LAWMA boss said waste should no longer be viewed merely as refuse, but as a valuable resource with economic potential.
He added that increased recycling initiatives would create employment opportunities, stimulate private sector participation and contribute to environmental protection.
Gbadegesin further advocated the adoption of a circular economy approach to waste management, where materials are recovered, reused and recycled, rather than discarded after use.
According to him, this model offers significant economic and business opportunities while reducing environmental degradation, unlike the prevailing linear system of collection and disposal.
On enforcement, Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMAās commitment to upholding environmental laws and ensuring accountability.
He disclosed that about 400 cases of environmental infractions were prosecuted in 2025, citing a recent case in which a man caught dumping waste indiscriminately is currently serving a jail term.
He called on Lagosians to support LAWMAās enforcement drive by shunning indiscriminate dumping and promptly reporting environmental violations, noting that citizensā cooperation remains critical to maintaining cleanliness and order across the state.
Gbadegesin concluded by reaffirming LAWMAās commitment to working with all stakeholders to strengthen waste management systems and promote a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Lagos State.
