The Lagos State Government has moved to douse public anxiety over waste pile-ups, unveiling a combination of emergency LAWMA intervention, logistics upgrades and stricter enforcement to address refuse accumulation in parts of the metropolis.
In a statement shared via the official social media handle of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the government explained that the situation was largely caused by ongoing changes in waste disposal logistics following the decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill.
According to Wahab, refuse previously evacuated to Olusosun is now being redirected to alternative facilities in Epe and Badagry, a development that has increased turnaround times for some Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and temporarily placed pressure on the evacuation system.
“The ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill has necessitated a significant shift in waste disposal logistics,” Wahab said. “This has understandably increased turnaround times for some PSP operators and created temporary pressure within the evacuation process.”
To mitigate the impact, the commissioner disclosed that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been directed to provide immediate support in areas where PSP operators are overwhelmed, particularly at identified waste black spots across the state.
“LAWMA intervention activities are actively ongoing in affected locations,” he stated, adding that discussions are underway on the procurement and deployment of additional trucks to strengthen evacuation capacity and improve response times.
Beyond evacuation, Wahab said the state government is tightening enforcement against illegal roadside dumping and indiscriminate waste disposal, often linked to unapproved trading activities.
“A dedicated Task Force has been established to combat illegal dumping and indiscriminate waste disposal, with 24-hour surveillance and enforcement operations across Lagos,” he said. “The team is fully empowered to enforce environmental laws without exception.”
The commissioner also appealed to residents to support the government’s efforts by disposing of waste responsibly, especially during festive periods and social gatherings.
“We urge all residents to celebrate responsibly and dispose of waste through approved PSP operators, while shunning any act of littering,” Wahab said.
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the current situation, Wahab assured Lagosians that the administration remains committed to delivering a cleaner, more orderly and sustainable city.
“We take full responsibility for these inconveniences, and I want to assure all Lagosians that the challenges are being actively and systematically addressed,” he added.
He urged residents to continue partnering with the state by patronising only approved PSP operators and adhering strictly to responsible waste disposal practices.
“Together, we will achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos,” Wahab concluded.
