The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has disclosed plans to make waste separation at source mandatory in Lagos State.
Gbadegesin made this known while featuring on The Conversation, a flagship programme on Lagos Television (LTV).
He said the initiative, which aligns with global best practices, would be supported by a review of the state’s legal framework to provide regulatory backing for compulsory waste separation at the point of generation.
Gbadegesin explained that the policy represents a shift from viewing waste solely as a disposal challenge to recognizing it as an economic resource, in line with the state’s waste-to-wealth agenda.
According to him, the new direction supports Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transitioning from a landfill-dependent system to one focused on recycling and material recovery.
The LAWMA boss said the strategy would reduce pressure on landfills, promote circular economy practices, and attract private investment in recycling infrastructure.
He added that the government was considering support mechanisms to help Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators acquire new compactor trucks, given the capital-intensive nature of waste collection.
On service delivery, Gbadegesin disclosed that sanctions would be imposed on 22 underperforming PSP operators following repeated warnings and performance reviews.
He recalled that 27 PSP operators were disengaged in 2025 for failing to meet service standards.
Gbadegesin stressed that the success of the initiative depends on effective regulation, improved infrastructure, private sector participation, and responsible citizen behavior.
He described waste sorting at source as critical to achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Lagos.
