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THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT IS IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES TO TACKLE WASTE MANAGEMENT ISSUES

...As the Environment Commissioner Conducts a Tour of Major Dumpsites

The Lagos State Government publicly announced over the weekend its commitment to adopting strategic initiatives aimed at improving waste disposal and waste management practices.

Following a tour of the primary dumpsites at Olusosun and Soluos 3, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, stated to the media that the government remains steadfast in its resolve to provide Lagosians with a sustainable and operational environment.

Wahab indicated that within the upcoming 18 months, the state plans to decommission the Olusosun and Soluos 3 landfills. These sites will be transformed into contemporary Transfer Loading Stations, where waste will be sorted, compacted, and redirected for recycling and resource recovery.

He noted that the Governor and the State Executive Council have regularly discussed waste-related issues, with particular attention given to the conditions at Olusosun and Soluos 3. The Ministry has undertaken immediate assessments of these landfills and dump sites, and has also opened new landfill sites in Badagry, Ikorodu, and Epe.

Furthermore, discussions are underway to incentivize Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste managers to deliver refuse to other designated areas within the newly opened sites in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe, which are located in more distant regions.

A forthcoming meeting, endorsed by the Governor, will be convened with PSP waste operators within the next week to formalize these plans.

Recent engagements between the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and PSP operators emphasize transitioning towards sustainable waste processing, modernized landfill management, and structured waste transportation and disposal systems.

Addressing concerns about the health and safety of individuals involved in waste disposal at landfills, Wahab emphasized the importance of security and proper identification.

“We have to do the enumeration. Some of them don't have to be there in the first place. Let us take stock and know who is supposed to be here. LAWMA is already taking action in that regard. If you have no business being here, leave this place. After that, we can start discussing how people work in the landfills and how they should be appropriately equipped," he explained.

Wahab recalled that earlier this year, the government signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with international partners, focusing on developing waste-to-resource initiatives that promote waste recovery, recycling, and energy production.

He highlighted that the state is gradually transitioning from a linear “collect and dump” waste management system to a sustainable circular economy. These MOUs will focus on waste-to-wealth activities, including compost generation, converting combustible waste into power, and waste-to-energy projects.

"We have designated and allocated space for our partners to implement waste-to-wealth projects. Once they commence operations and establish Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), they will begin the decommissioning and capping of existing landfill sites," he said.

He emphasized that waste should be viewed as a resource for wealth and energy, which will significantly reduce the volume of waste deposited in landfills while fostering resource recovery.

He assured that the government remains committed to providing Lagosians with a sustainable and functional environment in which they can be proud.

Participating in the inspection tour were the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, along with other directors from the Ministry and affiliated agencies.

Signed,
Kunle Adeshina
Director of Public Affairs
Ministry of Environment & Water Resources
30th November, 2025

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