Lagos State has begun a major overhaul of its Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to improve waste management efficiency, expand recycling, and promote a circular economy amid rising waste generation.
The state government said the initiative is designed to unlock the economic potential of Lagos’ waste management value chain.
Speaking on a television programme, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said infrastructure gaps have contributed to the state’s waste challenges.
“A rapidly growing megacity like Lagos requires continuous upgrades to its waste transfer and recovery systems,” he said.
Gbadegesin explained that revamping the TLS and MRFs would enhance waste evacuation, increase material recovery, ease pressure on disposal sites, and create new opportunities for private sector participation.
He commended Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for their role in maintaining cleanliness across the state, describing their work as “difficult but essential,” while noting that LAWMA provides support where necessary.
The LAWMA boss condemned illegal dumping, particularly in informal settlements and unapproved locations, warning that the practice poses serious risks to public health and the environment.
He urged residents to bag their waste properly, register with accredited PSP operators, and pay for collection services to ensure efficient waste disposal.
Gbadegesin also disclosed that LAWMA is piloting a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, where a biodigester is converting organic waste into energy, showcasing the benefits of circular economy practices.
On enforcement, he said LAWMA would continue to prosecute environmental offenders, while encouraging residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping and report violations to the authorities.
