The Lagos State Government has called on residents to adopt a more responsible and intentional approach to waste management, emphasizing that changing attitudes is key to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made the appeal during a recent television interview and a live discussion on X (formerly Twitter), where he addressed growing concerns and viral narratives portraying Lagos as a “smelly city.”
Wahab dismissed the blanket description, noting that while every major cosmopolitan city across the globe—including New York, Beijing, and London—has pockets of areas with unpleasant odours, these are typically found near waste disposal or landfill sites. He clarified that in Lagos, such occurrences are largely confined to areas around Olusosun in Ojota and Solous III in Igando, where landfill operations are still active.
“Proper waste disposal is not just the government’s responsibility; it’s a collective habit we must all adopt,” Wahab stated. “Sustainability begins with how we treat our environment.”
He revealed that Lagos generates an estimated 13,000 to 14,000 tonnes of waste daily. However, innovative strategies have been introduced to reduce the burden on landfills. According to him, between 4,000 and 5,000 tonnes of waste are now being converted into usable resources every day. This includes:
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2,500 tonnes transformed into energy,
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Another 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes repurposed as fuel for LAMATA buses,
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Combustible waste materials supplied to companies like Lafarge for industrial power generation.
The Commissioner said the state's long-term environmental strategy aims to ensure that less than 1,000 tonnes of waste end up in landfill sites daily. Part of this plan includes the eventual decommissioning of the Olusosun and Solous III dumpsites, as well as ramping up waste segregation initiatives to drastically cut down landfill contributions.
Wahab also stressed the crucial role the private sector plays in waste collection through the Public-Private Partnership model with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) serving as the regulatory body. However, he lamented that many homeowners attempt to dodge the system by disposing of their waste illegally, which undermines the collective effort.
“If your PSP (Private Sector Participant) operator isn’t meeting standards, residents can report to LAWMA, which is equipped with over 200 trucks to provide temporary relief while resolving any lapses,” he explained.
Beyond infrastructure, Wahab highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy. He said the government is actively engaging market leaders, homeowners, and communities through education campaigns while enforcing environmental laws where necessary. He warned that offenders would face arrest and prosecution to ensure full compliance.
Ultimately, Wahab reiterated that transforming Lagos into a cleaner city begins with the citizens. “We all have a stake in this. Changing our waste disposal culture is not optional—it’s a necessity.”
