The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has disclosed plans to unlock the economic potential of its waste management value chain by revamping existing Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to improve efficiency, boost recycling, and support a circular economy.
   
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Waste Management Authority, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made the disclosure while speaking to journalists in Lagos.
   
Gbadegesin said waste management challenges in the state were partly linked to infrastructure gaps, noting that a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos requires continuous upgrades to its waste transfer and recovery systems.
   
He explained that the ongoing revamp of TLS and MRFs would enhance waste evacuation, increase material recovery, reduce pressure on disposal sites, and create opportunities for private-sector participation across the waste management value chain.
   
The LAWMA boss acknowledged the role of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, describing their work as difficult but essential to maintaining cleanliness across the state. He added that the authority remained available to provide back-up services whenever challenges arose.
   
Gbadegesin described illegal dumping as an irresponsible waste-disposal practice, often occurring in informal settlements and unapproved locations, and warned that such actions posed risks to public health and the environment.
   
He reiterated that residents were expected to properly bag their waste, register with accredited PSP operators and pay for waste collection services to ensure effective service delivery.
   
The LAWMA chief also disclosed that the authority was piloting a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, where a biodigester converts organic waste into energy, demonstrating the benefits of a circular economy approach.
   
Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA would maintain a firm stance on environmental infractions, intensifying efforts to prosecute offenders, and urged residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping and to report violations to the appropriate authorities.