Lagos Intensifies Waste Collection Efforts to Drive Decarbonisation: Latest Insights from EnviroNews on Environmental Progress and Climate Action

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has ramped up its waste collection capabilities across the state. This announcement was made by the Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, during a press conference focused on climate action through innovative waste management strategies.

The event took place on April 17, 2025, in Ijora, Lagos, with Dr. Gbadegesin represented by Dr. Essien Nsuqbiq, who leads research and policy development at LAWMA. This initiative, partnered with the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and LAFARGE, aims to tackle waste issues and promote a cleaner environment.

Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized that waste management is a collective global responsibility. He pointed out that while changes won’t happen overnight, people will begin to notice improvements. LAWMA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with LAFARGE and is championing advocacy efforts in schools to promote a waste-free Lagos.

In his remarks, Dr. Gbadegesin explained that much of the carbon emissions from waste originate from organic materials. “Organic waste is easier to decarbonize, which makes it a prime target for our efforts,” he stated. Notably, a collaborative experiment with LAFARGE assessed how much of Lagos’s waste is non-recyclable and combustible.

Dr. Gbadegesin shared that if we can process 50% of organic waste into fertilizers, bio-gas, or bio-fuel, the remaining waste could drastically reduce. According to estimates, if LAFARGE processes 30% and recycling handles 10%, only about 10% of waste would be left. “This will positively impact our environment,” he added.

Dr. Abdulganiy Adelopo from UNILAG stressed the role of community involvement in environmental solutions. He advocated for recognizing waste as a valuable resource. “Once waste is valued, people will understand the importance of managing it properly,” he noted. He also mentioned a one-day seminar scheduled for April 22 at UNILAG that will unite stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s annual waste of 32 million tonnes.

This seminar, themed ‘Sustainable Climate Action in Nigeria Through Waste De-carbonisation and Co-Processing Technology,’ underscores the urgent need for action. The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG will host the event with experts from various fields sharing insights and solutions.

Recent studies have shown that countries investing in sustainable waste management can see significant economic benefits. For instance, a report from the World Bank revealed that improved waste management could create over 1.5 million jobs globally by 2030. This only reinforces the importance of initiatives like LAWMA’s in shaping a sustainable future.

In this evolving landscape, every individual’s actions can make a considerable difference. Emphasizing that “your waste is your power,” Dr. Adelopo encouraged communities to see the potential in every discarded item as a step toward improving the climate.

By joining these efforts, we can pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.



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decarbonisation,Lagos State Government,Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA),Waste collection