Sanwo-Olu Declares Emergency on Lagos Waste Collection, Orders LAWMA Reforms

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared a state of emergency on waste collection across the state following growing concerns over delays in municipal waste evacuation and the increasing practice of indiscriminate dumping.

The Governor made the declaration during an inspection of the Olusosun landfill in Ojota, where he reviewed ongoing efforts to improve waste management operations.

Accompanied by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu held discussions with key stakeholders in the waste management sector, including officials of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.

He acknowledged recent challenges in waste collection and directed stakeholders to implement immediate measures aimed at restoring efficient waste evacuation across Lagos.

The Governor said the State was working to improve access to its dumpsites through the rehabilitation and stabilisation of access roads, while additional modern waste compactors are being procured. He disclosed that 160 new compactors had been ordered to strengthen the capacity of PSP operators and improve the movement of waste from residential areas and major roads to disposal facilities.

As part of the longer-term strategy, the State Government is developing Transfer Loading Stations and Material Recovery Facilities to improve the handling, sorting and recycling of municipal waste. A 2,400-metric-tonne Transfer Loading Station is being developed at Olusosun, while another is planned at Solous 3 in Alimosho. Material Recovery Facilities are also being developed at Oke Oso in Epe and Erekiti in Badagry.

Sanwo-Olu said the completion of the new facilities would significantly increase the volume of waste that could be received and processed daily, reducing pressure on existing dumpsites and improving the efficiency of the collection system.
He also noted that ongoing waste compaction at Olusosun and Solous 3 would support faster evacuation once access and operational challenges are resolved.

The Governor further directed stronger enforcement against residents who dump waste in unauthorised locations, calling for the immediate prosecution of offenders caught violating environmental sanitation regulations.

He also expressed concern over weaknesses in the supervision of waste management operations and announced plans to reorganise LAWMA to improve accountability, coordination and service delivery.

The Lagos State Government said the combined measures are intended to provide both immediate relief and sustainable solutions to the state’s waste management challenges.

The administration urged residents, waste operators and relevant agencies to play their part in keeping public spaces clean, while government agencies intensify efforts to build a more efficient and environmentally responsible waste management system.