LAWMA, NAN Partner To Boost Awareness On Waste Management

428 PSP Operators Tackling Lagos’ 13,000-tonne Daily Waste Output – Gbadegesin

The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has stated his appreciation in the interest of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to partner with LAWMA.

Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized the crucial role of the press in sensitization efforts, welcoming the opportunity to expand media reach and awareness of LAWMA’s waste management mandate and interventions.

Gbadegesin stated this on receiving a delegation from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at LAWMA’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa; which had come to explore a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing media visibility for LAWMA’s programs and initiatives.

Leading NAN’s delegation, Mrs. Omowole Ifeyinwa, Head of Editorial Operations, praised LAWMA’s commitment to environmental sustainability in Lagos State. She emphasized NAN’s eagerness to collaborate in ensuring accurate information dissemination about LAWMA’s initiatives, positioning the agency for global recognition and investment opportunities while raising public awareness on best waste management practices.

She highlighted NAN’s range of media offerings—including PR Wire, advertisements, and documentaries—that LAWMA could leverage for timely news coverage, grassroots outreach, and promoting proper waste disposal habits. She added that producing documentaries on LAWMA’s projects would further amplify the agency’s impact and reputation.

In response, Dr. Gbadegesin noted that despite ongoing campaigns, some Lagos residents remain unaware of proper waste disposal methods, especially new migrants. LAWMA’s advocacy team, he affirmed, is working to ensure widespread awareness of the agency’s policies.

Speaking on LAWMA’s long-term goals, Gbadegesin reiterated its shift from a linear waste management model to a circular economy. He referenced a recent feasibility study conducted with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and Swedish-funded Swedfund, exploring the conversion of organic waste into biofuel for Lagos’ mass transit fleet.

“Our goal is to replicate Sweden’s model, where compactor trucks and buses run on biomethane, reducing landfill dependence and advancing environmental sustainability,” he stated.

Additionally, he highlighted LAWMA’s newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghanaian firm Jospong Group to enhance waste management practices in Lagos. These initiatives align with LAWMA’s broader vision of diverting 90% of waste from dumpsites through innovative recycling and resource recovery strategies.

Gbadegesin also underscored the importance of the Private Sector Participation (PSP) model, which involves 428 operators managing Lagos’ daily waste output of approximately 13,000 tonnes.

He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to recycling, stressing that companies are eager to purchase recyclable materials. “Recycling plastics benefits the environment while providing financial incentives for residents,” he added.