LAWMA, NAN Partner to Enhance Waste Management Awareness in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – In a strategic move to enhance public awareness and media visibility, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to promote sustainable waste management practices across the state.

The partnership was formalized during a courtesy visit by a NAN delegation, led by Mrs. Omowole Ifeyinwa, Head of Editorial Operations, to LAWMA’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, Lagos.

Strengthening Public Awareness on Waste Management

Mrs. Ifeyinwa commended LAWMA’s commitment to environmental sustainability, emphasizing the importance of accurate and widespread information dissemination. She noted that the collaboration would not only position LAWMA for global recognition and investment opportunities but also foster better public understanding of waste disposal best practices.

"This partnership will help extend LAWMA’s reach to the grassroots and encourage a more responsible waste disposal culture," she stated.

She outlined various media products and services, including press releases, advertisements, and documentaries, that could be leveraged to amplify LAWMA’s initiatives and successes.

LAWMA’s Commitment to Sustainable Waste Management

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, welcomed the partnership, acknowledging the critical role of the media in driving sensitization efforts, especially as Lagos continues to experience population growth.

"Despite ongoing sensitization campaigns, some residents remain unaware of proper waste disposal methods. As more people migrate to Lagos, it is essential to educate them on LAWMA’s policies to prevent indiscriminate waste disposal," he stated.

He emphasized LAWMA’s shift from a linear waste management model to a circular economy, citing a recent feasibility study conducted in partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and Sweden’s Swedfund. The study explores the conversion of organic waste into biofuel to power Lagos mass transit buses, following Sweden’s successful biomethane model.

"We aim to replicate Sweden’s approach, where compactor trucks and buses run on biomethane, reducing landfill dependence and enhancing environmental sustainability," Gbadegesin explained.

Expanding Waste Management Innovations

LAWMA is also expanding its waste management efforts through strategic international collaborations. Recently, the agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghana’s Jospong Group to improve waste management operations in Lagos.

Gbadegesin highlighted LAWMA’s long-term goal of diverting 90% of waste from dumpsites through recycling and resource recovery initiatives.

He also reaffirmed the importance of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, noting that 428 private companies currently work with LAWMA to manage Lagos’ daily waste generation of approximately 13,000 tonnes.

Recycling as a Key Solution

Encouraging waste recycling, the LAWMA boss noted that companies are willing to purchase recyclable materials, creating financial incentives for residents.

"Recycling plastics not only benefits the environment but also provides income opportunities for Lagosians," he added.

Contact LAWMA for Waste Management Services

LAWMA urged Lagos residents to take advantage of its toll-free hotlines for inquiries and complaints:

📞 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, and 617
🌐 Website: www.lawma.gov.ng

This collaboration between LAWMA and NAN marks a significant step toward improving waste management awareness, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos.