The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has called for increased investment in critical waste management infrastructure and systems to address existing gaps and support the development of a comprehensive Waste Management Master Plan for Lagos State.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin made the call on Monday at the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora Olopa while receiving a delegation from the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
He clarified that while Lagos State had yet to have a Waste Management Master Plan, the Authority was actively advocating its development as a strategic framework to guide long-term planning, investment, and sustainable waste management practices.
Dr. Gbadegesin emphasised that closing the infrastructure gap across the waste value chain required deliberate and sustained investment, particularly in landfill development, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), waste-to-energy projects, biogas plants, and mechanical street sweeping systems.
He noted that additional investments were also required in capacity development, expansion of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model through Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, and the promotion of local manufacturing and assembly of waste management equipment, including compactor trucks and tricycle compactors.
According to him, strengthening these areas would significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery across the State.
The LAWMA boss further highlighted the need to scale up recycling and waste recovery systems through the establishment of Material Recovery Facilities in strategic locations such as Epe and Badagry, to reduce pressure on landfill sites and promote resource recovery.
He reiterated that Lagos, as a rapidly growing megacity, required a structured and forward-looking waste management framework capable of addressing current challenges while preparing for future demands.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the European Union delegation, Jacques Remy, commended LAWMA for its reform-driven approach and ongoing efforts to improve waste management systems in the State.
He expressed the European Union’s interest in continued engagement and collaboration with LAWMA, particularly in areas of infrastructure development, capacity building, and sustainable waste management solutions.
LAWMA reaffirmed its commitment to working with development partners and stakeholders to strengthen the waste management ecosystem and drive the transition toward a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable system for Lagos State.
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