Lagos Moves to Tighten Waste Management Rules, Improve Disposal System
By Emmanuel Daniji
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to strengthen the regulation of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators and improve waste collection, transportation and disposal across the state.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with the executive members of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN).
The meeting focused on some of the challenges affecting Lagos’ waste management system, including the condition of dumpsites, operational difficulties faced by waste managers and the need to reduce the time waste trucks spend at disposal facilities.
Wahab said the government and waste managers must work together to build a waste management system that is efficient, sustainable and capable of meeting the needs of Lagos’ growing population.
He acknowledged improvements at some landfill sites but said more work was required to make the facilities fully functional. According to him, better access roads, drainage, operational platforms and other facilities are necessary to allow waste trucks to move efficiently within the dumpsites.
The Commissioner said ongoing work at Solous Dumpsite would help reduce pressure on other disposal locations serving areas such as Alimosho, Ikotun-Ejigbo and Ayobo, while also reducing the turnaround time for PSP operators.
Government Considers Financial Support for Waste Managers
Wahab also revealed that the state was exploring ways to improve the financial sustainability of PSP operations, including cost recovery and appropriate adjustments that would enable waste managers to provide better services.
However, he stressed that any improved financial arrangement must come with greater accountability, transparency and effective service delivery.
“No PSP operator should use the challenges at the dumpsites or other operational difficulties as an excuse for failing to provide the required services to residents,” he said.
The Commissioner urged AWAMN to strengthen its internal regulation and ensure that operators meet their contractual obligations, maintain their trucks and provide consistent waste collection services within their assigned areas.
He also backed a proposal for environmental officers to be attached to wards across the state to monitor waste management at the community level.
According to Wahab, the officers would help ensure that household waste is collected properly, residents pay for waste services, PSP operators perform their duties and communities receive regular education on proper waste disposal.
He further called for stronger enforcement against indiscriminate dumping, urging residents to patronise designated PSP operators and stop disposing of waste on roads and other unauthorised locations.
Waste Managers Seek Better Dumpsite Facilities
Responding, AWAMN President, Dr. Olugbenga Adebola, commended the Lagos Government for its efforts to address challenges within the sector.
Adebola said the association had inspected disposal sites and engaged contractors to carry out improvement works at some locations following government directives.
He disclosed that AWAMN had also worked with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to identify infrastructure and operational needs at the dumpsites.
According to him, some access roads had already been opened and improved, although additional stone-base reinforcement was needed to keep them functional during the rainy season and under the weight of heavy waste trucks.
Adebola also called for greater attention to the maintenance of disposal facilities, stressing that adequate platforms and equipment were essential to reducing delays and improving the movement of waste trucks.
He revealed that AWAMN had established a dumpsite committee to work with relevant government agencies in monitoring disposal facilities and developing solutions to operational problems.
The association, he added, was ready to work with the state government on a comprehensive waste management framework covering collection, transportation, disposal, waste treatment, enforcement and cost recovery.
The meeting was attended by officials including the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; LAWMA Executive Director, Finance, Kunle Adebiyi; and other directors in the Ministry.
