The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged residents to reduce waste generation, sort refuse and dispose of it responsibly as heavy rainfall continues to strain waste disposal facilities across Nigeria’s commercial capital.
LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said persistent rains and increased waste evacuation activities had put significant pressure on disposal infrastructure, affecting truck movement, turnaround times and operational efficiency at some landfill and disposal sites.
He said the adverse weather conditions had also disrupted evacuation logistics for Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators and sanitation workers, who continue to maintain waste management services across the state.
Gbadegesin said the agency was working with relevant stakeholders and implementing measures to improve access to disposal facilities, stabilise operations and ease pressure on critical waste infrastructure during the rainy season.
The LAWMA boss called on residents to support the efforts by reducing waste generation, properly bag refuse and adopt waste-sorting practices that promote recycling and resource recovery.
According to Gbadegesin, separating recyclable and organic waste at source would help reduce the burden on disposal facilities while supporting Lagos State’s transition to a circular economy and a more sustainable waste management system.
The LAWMA chief said the agency remained committed to maintaining environmental sanitation through collaboration with PSP operators, operational reforms, infrastructure upgrades and other interventions aimed at strengthening the resilience of the state’s waste management system.
He also commended sanitation workers, drivers and PSP operators for sustaining service delivery despite operational challenges caused by the weather.LAWMA appealed for public understanding and cooperation, saying efforts were ongoing to ensure effective waste evacuation and cleaner communities across Lagos State.