The Lagos State Government says it is stepping up efforts to strengthen sustainable waste management, particularly in handling construction, demolition, and disaster waste.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said this at stakeholders forum organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in collaboration with Wastecare Solutions.
Wahab said; “the state was aligning with global circular economy practices to promote recycling, reuse, and efficient resource utilisation.”
Represented by Mr. Adeoye Babajide, the Commissioner noted that Lagos, with its fast-growing population and human activities, could not afford to be overwhelmed by unmanaged waste.
He explained that “LAWMA had moved beyond conventional collection and disposal methods by promoting responsible building practices that emphasise reduction, reuse, and recycling.”
Wahab urged stakeholders in the construction sector to strictly adhere to government regulations on waste handling, warning that non-compliance could attract sanctions, including the sealing of project sites.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, stressed that partnerships and collaboration remain central to the state’s efforts at achieving sustainable environmental management.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Tijani Ajibola, in a paper titled “Bridging the Gap between Policy and Practice: Strengthening Compliance in Construction and Demolition Waste Management,” highlighted the environmental dangers of construction and demolition waste, including air pollution. He stressed the need for responsible management at every stage, from planning to disposal.
The forum also featured technical sessions where stakeholders exchanged ideas and strategies to strengthen waste management practices in Lagos.
The theme of the event is “Building Responsibly and Driving Efficiency: Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration in Construction, Demolition and Disaster Waste Management in Lagos State.”
Lateefah Ibrahim