LAWMA intensifies efforts to combat marine waste in Lagos, marks World Cleanup Day

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has scaled up operational activities to tackle the challenge of marine waste along the Lagos coastline in commemoration of this year’s World Cleanup Day, with the theme: “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter”.

Consequently, the agency has intensified efforts to rid water bodies of waste debris by deploying marine waste operatives to mitigate the environmental and health hazards posed by marine litter along the coastline.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that Lagos, with a thriving coastal ecosystem, faces a significant challenge of indiscriminate dumping of waste into its rivers, canals, and lagoons, leading to a growing accumulation of marine litter, threatening the state’s rich biodiversity and human health.

He said: “We are deeply concerned about the rising level of waste that enters our waterways. Marine pollution is a local and global issue, especially in coastal cities like Lagos. LAWMA is committed to ensuring that we rid our water bodies of the litter that endangers both human and marine life.”

Gbadegesin stated that LAWMA had spearheaded an initiative to combat marine waste, with the agency’s Marine Waste department playing a pivotal role in clearing waste from Lagos waterways using specialised boats and equipment.

According to him, the efforts are further supported by community sensitisation programmes to educate residents on proper waste disposal and recycling, particularly in coastal areas.

“Our Marine Waste Unit has recorded tremendous success, removing tons of waste from our waterways. However, this challenge requires collective responsibility. We urge residents, especially those living in coastal and riverine communities, to be more responsible for waste management. Every piece of litter that ends up in the water poses a serious threat to our environment,” he said.

The LAWMA boss said that, as part of activities for this year’s World Clean-up Day, the Authority organised clean-up campaigns across waterfronts in the state, urging the populace to show a sense of responsibility in the quest to preserve aquatic and human lives in the metropolis.
He stressed further that the agency would embark on motorised advocacy on the Lekki and Ajah axis in the coming days to sensitise residents to the dangers inherent in indiscriminately dumping waste, especially in water bodies.

“World Cleanup Day is an opportunity for everyone to take direct action. Our waterways are a vital part of Lagos’ identity, and it’s our collective duty to protect them.

“I urge all residents to join us in cleaning up the city, not just because it’s World Cleanup Day, but we should make it a habit. It’s not just about today; it’s about instilling long-term habits that prevent waste from reaching our water bodies,” Gbadegesin added.