The Lagos State Government yesterday urged Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to improve service delivery and embrace transparency in their operations.
Addressing a strategic meeting with the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAM), the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, emphasised the need for PSP operators to digitalise their modes of operation to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
Wahab called on the association to implement proper data collation and enumeration of all commercial and private facilities they service. He stated that this process would improve accountability and allow operators to fulfil their responsibilities more seamlessly and efficiently.
He noted that the government is aware of the need for interventions and subsidies to support PSP operators. However, he stressed the importance of transparency in revenue generation and expenditure.
“I am aware that the economy is tough right now, and we must support you to succeed, but I want a detailed enumeration of all the houses and a digitalisation of the number of household facilities across the state,” Wahab said.
He highlighted the challenges posed by Lagos’ growing population and the corresponding increase in waste generation. He urged the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to assist operators in addressing waste accumulation, especially at black spots, adding that there had been numerous complaints from residents about non-performing operators.
“It is high time we sat down to thoroughly review the entire gamut of PSP operations.”
The fact is, we must be truthful to one another as this will encourage the government to complement the operators’ efforts,” he said.
Wahab also advocated the creation of an online portal that would utilise GPS tracking in PSP trucks.
The portal, accessible via internet-enabled devices, would provide accurate data on truck locations, daily trips, and other operational metrics.
He urged operators to set aside grievances and prioritise their responsibilities, ensuring that waste management issues across the metropolis are addressed promptly to avoid sabotage. He emphasised that residents expect improved waste collection services, particularly in door-to-door residential waste collection.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, reiterated the need for PSP operators to embrace technology and innovation for improved efficiency. He stressed that digitalisation would enhance service delivery, assuring the association of the government’s commitment to collaboration.
“This is to reassure you that the government is ready to collaborate with the association. Everyone must work together to achieve a waste-free and sustainable environment,” Tajudeen said.
He also urged the association to ensure their trucks are in good condition to improve turnaround times. According to him, better services would encourage residents to pay for waste management without coercion.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, appealed to PSP operators to “provide accurate data for all households so that the government can ascertain tenements who are paying as at when due, those underpaying, and those not paying at all.”
Earlier, the President of AWAM, Mr Olugbenga Adebola, thanked the government for creating an enabling environment. He acknowledged the impact of regular enforcement and advocacy visits, which encouraged residents’ compliance.
Adebola assured the government of the association’s commitment to collaboration, noting that AWAM members have invested billions of naira in the project, significantly contributing to the economy of Lagos State.
