The Lagos State Government is set to overhaul its waste management system as the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) rolls out new infrastructure, waste-treatment facilities and a unified fleet system to address the growing waste crisis across the metropolis.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in an exclusive interview while speaking on the challenges confronting waste management in Lagos, including refuse heaps, inadequate infrastructure, collection capacity and the need for improved waste treatment.
Lagos, with an estimated population of about 22 million people, generates between 13,000 and 15,000 tonnes of waste daily, according to Gbadegesin.
He explained that effectively managing the volume requires investment across the entire waste-management value chain, beginning with the provision of waste containers and extending to collection, transportation, treatment and final disposal.
New Transfer Stations, MRFs Planned
Gbadegesin said LAWMA is working to complete new Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) by the end of the year, while Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year.
According to him, the development of the facilities would improve waste handling and eventually make it possible to shut down the Olusosun landfill.
“One is already closed,” he said, while explaining that the new infrastructure would form part of a broader strategy to modernise waste management in Lagos.
Lagos Plans Biogas Production From Waste
The LAWMA boss also disclosed plans for the construction of a large-scale biogas plant through a partnership between LAWMA and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
He said the feasibility study for the project had been completed with funding support from the Swedish government.
The proposed facility is expected to convert organic waste into biogas, which could eventually be used to power public transportation and other energy needs.
Gbadegesin noted that organic waste accounts for about 50 per cent of the waste generated daily in Lagos, making it a major resource for energy production.
He said the initiative is partly connected to Lagos’ energy-transition programme, particularly LAMATA’s plan to introduce about 2,000 CNG-powered buses.
The long-term objective, according to him, is for the buses to eventually run on biomethane produced from Lagos’ organic waste.
LAWMA Deploys Biodigesters at Markets
The waste authority is also introducing smaller-scale biodigesters at markets that generate large volumes of organic waste.
Gbadegesin said a pilot biodigester project had already been launched at the Ikosi Fruit Market in February, with plans to replicate the initiative at other major markets.
Markets mentioned include Alamutu, Mile 12 and Afolabi Ege, where large quantities of organic waste are generated daily.
He explained that materials such as rotting plantains and plantain stalks could be processed into biofertiliser rather than being transported to landfills.
80,000 Smart Bins Available
On waste containerisation, the LAWMA chief executive disclosed that the Lagos State Government has about 80,000 smart bins.
However, he acknowledged that adoption of the bins has been relatively slow because they are not provided free of charge.
He said the government is considering a new arrangement under which households could receive the bins without making an upfront payment, with the cost gradually recovered through a small addition to their monthly waste bills.
The initiative is expected to be rolled out before the end of the year.
150 New Compactor Trucks Expected
Gbadegesin further revealed that Lagos expects to receive 150 new compactor trucks by the end of the year as part of efforts to strengthen waste collection.
According to him, each of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas has ordered two trucks, while the state government is providing an additional 36 trucks.
The vehicles are expected to form part of a new unified waste-management fleet to be jointly managed by the state government and local governments.
He said the government intends to significantly increase the fleet in subsequent years, with a long-term target of 2,000 trucks.
Reform of PSP Waste Collection Scheme
The LAWMA boss also disclosed plans to reform the existing Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste collection programme.
He said the planned reforms would support the new waste-management structure and improve the efficiency of waste collection across Lagos.
While he declined to disclose extensive details of the proposed reforms, he indicated that the changes would form part of the broader restructuring of the state’s waste-management system.
Gbadegesin’s disclosures come amid growing concerns over refuse accumulation in parts of Lagos and the potential health and environmental risks associated with poor waste disposal.
The proposed expansion of collection infrastructure, introduction of waste-to-energy initiatives, deployment of biodigesters and increase in the waste collection fleet are expected to form key components of Lagos State’s strategy to address its mounting waste-management challenges.
