The Statewide Waste and Environmental Education Programme (SWEEP) Foundation has urged governance reforms in Lagos State’s waste management sector to address the rising refuse challenge across the city.
SWEEP President Amb. Philips Obusesi made the call in an interview with reporters on Tuesday in Lagos.
Obusesi emphasized that governance, institutional capacity, and technical expertise are critical areas requiring urgent attention to improve waste management in the state.
He stated that effective leadership, professional competence, and sustained commitment are essential to tackling the issue.
“Two things remain most critical: placing the right people in the right roles and the lack of political will to enforce necessary actions,” he said.
He highlighted that appointments in the waste management sector should be based on competence and technical knowledge to ensure effective policy implementation.
“Until we match competence with authority, the problem will persist,” he added.
Obusesi called on the government to reduce bureaucracy and empower professionals to lead reforms in the sector.
He stressed that waste management demands technical expertise, strategic planning, and decisive leadership.
“Waste management is engineering, not patronage,” he said.
The SWEEP president also advocated for long-term reforms that promote waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery.
He proposed creating a standalone Ministry of Environment and Waste Resources with cabinet-level authority to oversee policy implementation and sector development.
“Waste must move from being an afterthought to a top priority,” he said.
Obusesi noted that environmental sanitation is a shared responsibility between government and residents, and public compliance often depends on government performance.
He identified waste sorting at source as a key behavioral change needed to improve sanitation and support recycling.
According to him, sustained public enlightenment and awareness campaigns are necessary to encourage residents to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
“Citizens are more likely to embrace positive environmental practices when they see the government fulfilling its responsibilities,” he said.
Obusesi expressed optimism that Lagos can make significant progress in addressing its waste management challenges through proper governance and technical expertise.
