Keep Your Surroundings Clean or Risk Losing Property, LAWMA Boss Warns Lagos Residents

Keep Your Surroundings Clean or Risk Losing Property, LAWMA Boss Warns Lagos Residents

…as agency rolls out CNG trucks, drone surveillance, and recycling hubs to boost waste management

LAGOS — The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has issued a stern warning to property owners and residents across Lagos State to maintain clean surroundings or face serious penalties, including potential loss of property.

Speaking during a live interview on Lagos Talks 91.3FM on Monday, Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility, not solely the duty of government. He noted that illegal waste dumping on land, whether owned or rented, would not be tolerated.

"Even if you are not the property owner, as long as you live there, you have a legal obligation to keep the surroundings clean. LAWMA cannot clean your frontage for you. That duty lies with every resident," he stated.

The LAWMA boss also announced that the Authority would soon deploy drones to monitor waste disposal activities across the state, in a bid to curb illegal dumping and promote accountability among residents.

Highlighting the agency’s ongoing reforms, Dr. Gbadegesin disclosed plans to provide new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to support Private Sector Participants (PSPs), aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. He acknowledged that while many residents pay for waste collection, a significant number still fail to comply, affecting PSPs’ ability to meet service demands.

To further boost recycling and reduce landfill pressure, the LAWMA MD said the agency had significantly expanded its recycling initiative, with hundreds of registered recyclers now offering door-to-door collection services. Additionally, community recycling centres have been introduced, allowing residents to exchange recyclables for incentives.

LAWMA, he added, is currently managing about 13,000 tons of waste generated daily in Lagos and is investing in modern waste recovery infrastructure. This includes a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zoomlion Nigeria for the closure of the Olusosun (Ojota) and Solous 3 (Igando) dumpsites within the next 18 months.

"In their place, we will build transfer loading stations to redirect waste to two new material recovery facilities in Ikorodu and Badagry. Each facility will process 2,500 tons of waste daily using automated systems that sort metals, plastics, textiles, and other materials. These sites will also be equipped with solar panels to generate electricity for nearby communities," he revealed.

To ensure greater compliance, Dr. Gbadegesin said LAWMA is deepening partnerships with residential associations, including the Lekki Phase 1 Residents Association (LERA), to tackle illegal dumping and raise awareness on proper waste management.

“LAWMA deploys 17,000 sweepers across 1,000 routes, but this does not cover every street. Residents must take responsibility for their immediate environment. If everyone plays their part, we’ll have a cleaner and healthier Lagos,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating the importance of community involvement in maintaining environmental hygiene, echoing the popular state mantra: “Igbega Ipinle Eko, ajumose gbogbo wa ni” — the development of Lagos State is a collective effort.

Signed:
Folashade Kadiri (Mrs.)
Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA
Date: May 19, 2025