Written by Mobolaji Sanusi
Urgent Need for Effective Waste Management in Lagos
As Lagos prepares for the upcoming Salah festival, the question of who is responsible for solid waste collection and management in the former capital has become increasingly pressing. Frequent disruption in garbage collection has raised concerns about the city’s waste disposal system, which is already overburdened as the festival brings an influx of organic and packaging waste alongside traditional sacrificial remnants. The potential consequences of poor waste management during this time are grim, resulting in unsightly environments and health hazards for residents.
Challenges in Waste Collection
From personal experience, it is clear that the inefficiencies plaguing Lagos’s waste management system are deteriorating rapidly. Delays in garbage collection have become more frequent, potentially leading to a worsening crisis that threatens both public health and the aesthetic appeal of the city. Many residents find it perplexing that what should be a routine municipal service has devolved into a contentious issue filled with miscommunication and inadequate management between various stakeholders, including private sector operators.
The Historical Context of Waste Management in Lagos
Reflecting on the early years of democratic governance, environmental conditions in Lagos initially did not raise alarms. However, then-Governor Bola Ahmad Tinubu quickly addressed the emerging waste crisis, which laid the groundwork for sustainable environmental practices. His administration revitalized the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), which had been languishing, and initiated a Private Sector Participation (PSP) program to decentralize waste collection and empower private investors, thereby enhancing service efficiency.
Decline of Effective Waste Management Practices
Despite early successes under Tinubu and later Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, progress began to falter during the tenure of his successor, Akinwunmi Ambode. The implementation of the Visionscape initiative disrupted the successful PSP model, leading to environmental setbacks. Upon taking office in 2019, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attempted to revert to the PSP framework but lacked the decisive action needed to rejuvenate the struggle against waste mismanagement, leaving operators struggling to find suitable disposal sites for collected trash.
Illicit Waste Disposal Practices
In the current regulatory void, illegal waste collectors operate freely, exacerbating the crisis by improperly disposing of waste in unsuitable locations, including drains and vacant lots. This unauthorized dumping contributes to the clogging of drainage systems, which is particularly detrimental during the rainy season. While it’s easy to blame public habits for these issues, the accountability of governmental agencies such as LAWMA is equally critical. Their apparent prioritization of overseas engagements over effective local waste management raises serious concerns about their commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Commercial Waste Management Issues
The waste management crisis in Lagos is further compounded by poor urban planning. Many commercial facilities, such as hotels and lounges, have been permitted in residential zones, significantly increasing waste output without adequate oversight. These establishments frequently exceed waste generation limits, yet the same low-capacity PSP operators are tasked with their waste management. This inconsistency leads to overwhelming service demands that result in widespread illegal dumping.
Path Forward for Waste Management in Lagos
The government must not treat solid waste management as an ancillary issue. Failing to prioritize this area could lead to a pervasive failure in maintaining public health standards across neighborhoods such as Abule-Egba, Egbeda, and Oshodi. To foster a cleaner environment, Lagos requires a comprehensive waste management strategy aligned with vision and purpose. Governor Sanwo-Olu must act with urgency to address these challenges, ensuring that waste management remains a core issue central to the city’s long-term viability and health.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin and Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab are making commendable efforts, but it is evident that their strategies are not meeting the high expectations of residents. Effective leadership is essential in this critical space. The government’s past failures in waste management pose a threat to its claims of sustainability and smart urban governance.
Mr. Sanusi is a former MD/CEO of Lagos State Billboard Advertising Agency and currently the Managing Partner of AMS RELIABLE SOLICITORS.
