Lagos Waste Reporter

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced the evacuation of a huge waste blackspot at Carwash Bus Stop, Iyana Oworo, along the Alapere/Third Mainland Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area. The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin said that the  operation, which began on Thursday, 15 October 2026, involved the deployment of a heavy-duty excavator and tipper trucks to evacuate accumulated household and commercial waste from the road median and drainage channel. He disclosed that LAWMA, in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies, was investigating the source of the illegal dumping at the location. “The evacuation is only the first step. We will strengthen monitoring, identify those responsible and take appropriate action to prevent this location from becoming a dumping ground again,” he said. He said that the Authority would work with Kosofe Local Government officials to intensify surveillance and enforcement w...

By: Sanni Gbenga  For decades, experts, nutritionists, and wellness advocates have dominated public health discussions with a single, repetitive message: focus on what you eat and what you do not eat. We count calories, audit our diets, and scrutinize food labels, operating under the assumption that cellular health begins and ends on our dinner plates. Yet, despite an unprecedented global obsession with dietary wellness, we are witnessing an alarming surge in non-communicable diseases—most notably, cancer. The underlying cause of this modern epidemic is not found solely on our plates. It surrounds us. The sharp increase in global cancer rates stems directly from widespread environmental pollution—the systematic degradation of our air, land, and water systems. In our relentless pursuit of modern living spaces, concrete structures, and urban expansion, we have systematically cleared away the primary biological infrastructure that has protected human health for generations...

"Without understanding the process and pattern, waste management solutions remain a matter of guesswork". By Sanni Gbenga Lead Investigator, Lagos Waste Reporter In many developing cities, conversations about waste management frequently center on overflowing bins, uncollected refuse, illegal dumping, and inadequate infrastructure. While these are genuine concerns, they represent only the visible symptoms of a much deeper challenge—the absence of professionalism in the management of waste. Waste management is not merely about collecting refuse and transporting it to a dumpsite. It is a specialized profession that combines environmental science, engineering, public health, logistics, technology, policy, and behavioural change. Treating it as anything less has contributed to the recurring sanitation problems experienced in many urban centres. One of the biggest mistakes decision-makers and stakeholders make is attempting to solve waste problems without first understa...

​The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has commissioned the rehabilitated Road E and newly constructed disposal platforms at the Olusosun Disposal Facility in Ojota.

By Sanni Gbenga. Managing Editor and Lead Investigator, Lagos Waste Reporter. Nigeria's Waste Challenge Can No Longer Be Ignored Nigeria is facing a growing waste management crisis that demands urgent national attention. Every day, thousands of tonnes of municipal, commercial, industrial, and household waste are generated across the country. While many state governments are making significant efforts to keep their cities and communities clean, the increasing volume of waste is stretching available resources beyond their limits. Waste management is no longer just an environmental issue—it is a public health, economic, and national development concern. If Nigeria is serious about building resilient cities, protecting public health, and achieving sustainable economic growth, the Federal Government must provide dedicated financial support to states to strengthen waste management systems. States Cannot Carry the Burden Alone Environmental sanitation and waste collection rema...

Historically, walking through Lagos' urban centers would often involve encountering public waste bins at nearly every corner. These bins were strategically positioned with the noble purpose of accommodating transit waste, meant for discarded plastic bottles, snack wrappers from bus rides, or casual litter from a constantly moving population. Currently, these public bins have nearly disappeared from our streets. This decline was not due to logistical failure by authorities, but rather a necessary retreat prompted by persistent abuse of their intended purpose. Under the current socio-behavioral and structural realities of Lagos, it is evident that public bins are fundamentally unviable. The following are the reasons: 1. The Conflation of Private and Public Waste:  The basic tenet of waste management in Lagos is clear, every property must have its own waste disposal system. Whether one is a landlord, a tenant in a "face-me-I-face-you" dwelling, or a shop owner, t...

By: Sanni Gbenga Ibrahim. ​Have you ever bought a smartphone charger, a power bank, or a charging cable, only for it to stop working within forty-eight hours? Most consumers dismiss it as "bad luck" or "cheap manufacturing." However, the truth is far more sinister. We are not just purchasing low-quality electronics; we are becoming the world's dumping ground. ​ A dangerous trend has surfaced where industrial waste from abroad—especially from manufacturing centres like China—is being disguised as brand-new products and exported to African nations. What seems like a bargain on a retail shelf is often a piece of hazardous waste packaged in a shiny box. ​ Waste in Disguise: From Electronics to Consumables. The deception stretches across multiple sectors, but none is more apparent than the electronics market. Countless "new" gadgets entering our borders are actually refurbished junk or parts that failed quality control tests in their...

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — In a noteworthy acknowledgment of investigative excellence and environmental advocacy, City Scope Africa has conferred an award upon Mr. Sanni Gbenga, the Managing Editor and Lead Investigator of Lagos Waste Reporter. The esteemed accolade was bestowed during the 2026 Africa Circular Business and Environmental Sustainability Conference and Awards, held from March 26 to 27 at the cultural centre of Abeokuta, Ogun State. Mr. Gbenga was recognized for his unwavering dedication to addressing environmental pollution crimes through undercover investigations and documenting environmental violations across Lagos State. Mr. Gbenga's contributions have been instrumental in enhancing transparency within the waste management sector. Through Lagos Waste Reporter, his investigative endeavours have consistently illuminated systemic deficiencies, promoted regulatory compliance, and advocated for a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. ...

Lagos Waste Reporter Set to Launch Innovative WhatsApp Bot to Revolutionize Waste Management in Lagos ​LAGOS, NIGERIA — Lagos Waste Reporter, the leading environmental investigation and digital advocacy platform for urban sanitation, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its AI-powered WhatsApp Bot. This first-of-its-kind digital clearinghouse is designed to bridge the persistent communication gap between Lagos residents, Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators, and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). ​Despite ongoing efforts to keep the megacity clean, many residents struggle with inconsistent pick-up schedules and a lack of direct channels to report issues. The Lagos Waste Reporter WhatsApp Bot is engineered to solve these challenges by providing a seamless, real-time interface for accountability. ​More Than Just a Database: Intelligent Routing ​Unlike traditional complaint desks, the bot functions as an active clearinghouse. It does not mer...

The Lagos Waste Management Authority recorded 1,023 illegal dumping and waste management non-compliance incidents across the state in 2025, with 447 cases referred for legal action. This is contained in LAWMA’s 2025 Waste Surveillance Statistics obtained exclusively by the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos. A breakdown of the statistics shows that 230 males and 217 females were referred for prosecution, representing 51 per cent and 49 per cent respectively. The surveillance operations also identified 431 scavengers and reconciled 145 properties with their assigned Private Sector Participation waste operators. The authority disclosed that peak dumping periods occurred between midnight and early morning, with residential refuse, construction debris and hazardous waste prominent among offences. LAWMA said the 2025 figures built on an intensified enforcement strategy carried into 2026, with officers stepping up surveillance and enforcement activities across the state. It ...

Residents need to embrace a responsible attitude toward waste disposal. Disposing of waste in road medians or unauthorized areas is not a viable solution and should be avoided. If you encounter a situation where your Private Sector Participant (PSP) fails to show up for waste collection, please remember that there are call center platforms available to help. The Lawma call center and various government social media channels have been effective in resolving many waste management issues. Just as you reach out to customer service for issues with services like DStv or GOtv, or contact your network provider for problems, it's important to apply the same diligence in reporting waste collection challenges. Rather than resorting to illegal dumping, let’s utilize the resources at our disposal to find solutions and enhance our environment. Together, we can address waste management challenges constructively and technically. With our combined efforts, a c...

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has warned residents against attacking or obstructing its enforcement officers during environmental sanitation and waste management operations across the state. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, issued the warning on Friday following reports that some personnel were threatened and assaulted while carrying out routine enforcement duties. “I am compelled to warn, in the strongest terms, against any attempt to attack, harass, intimidate, or obstruct LAWMA enforcement officers while they carry out their lawful duties across Lagos State,” Gbadegesin said in a post on X on Friday. He described the recent incidents as disturbing and unacceptable, noting that enforcement officers were not deployed to provoke conflict. “Over the past few days, we have recorded disturbing incidents in which some of our personnel were threatened and, in a few cases, assaulted during routine enforcement of env...

Why Do People Continue to Glamourize MAKOKO? Makoko is often referred to as the "Venice of Africa", however, lacking the infrastructure to support such density, it teeters on the brink of a significant ecological and public health crisis, between a vibrant community and catastrophe. If the government opts not to relocate residents or fails to regenerate the area, the risks become systemic for Lagos, extending beyond local concerns. 1. Public Health: An Ongoing Epidemic Threat Makoko, largely constructed on stilts over the Lagos Lagoon, suffers from the absence of a formal sewage system. Consequently, the water beneath the homes functions as both waste disposal and, on occasion, a source of domestic water. Waterborne Diseases: The sanitation deficiencies render the area a constant breeding ground for cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. In a densely populated city like Lagos, an outbreak originating in Makoko can propagate rapidly to the mainland via trade ...

… Calls for People-Oriented Water Sector  The newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Mrs. Oluwabukola Khadijah Adeyemo, has assumed office with a call to all staff members to advocate for a people-focused water sector in the State. Speaking during her maiden interactive session with the staff and management of the Agency at Alausa, Ikeja, Adeyemo urged stakeholders and partners to join hands in building a water sector that truly serves Lagosians. The new Executive Secretary said the Commission's vision is clear with its strategic direction, which is mainly to position Lagos State as a model for water regulation in Nigeria and across Africa. While describing the challenges before the Commission as significant, the new helmsman said they are not insurmountable. “But this can only become a reality with unity of purpose, courage and determination among the staff", she added. Maintaining that water is n...

...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 ...

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reinforced its enforcement operations across the state, targeting indiscriminate dumping, black spots, and persistent environmental violations that threaten public health and urban resilience. Speaking on the Authority’s latest actions, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, acknowledged the waste management challenges experienced in some areas in the state, noting that the Authority remained firmly committed to ending all forms of reckless disposal habits. He said, “The state’s coastal geography made enforcement very important, to prevent environmental hazards. A bag of refuse tossed into a drain anywhere in the metropolis does not disappear. It blocks culverts, worsens flooding, exposes households to contaminated water, and sends plastics and debris into our canals and lagoon systems. Illegal dumping has consequences far beyond the act itself.” He revealed that LAWMA has moved from episodic c...