Tag: Lagos Waste Management Authority

LAWMA, MAN Collaborate for Environmental Sustainability

… Styrofoam ban in public interest

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), have met to discuss ways of implementing sustainable waste management strategies, following the recent ban on usage of styrofoam packs in the state.

Addressing the stakeholders, managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to the Lagos State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, stressing that the state government had to ban styrofoam to protect the environment and safeguard public health.

He said: “It is necessary to establish that lack of access to a good environment, lack of awareness about the dangers of some of the items we use to consume food causes a lot of damage to our health. It is high time we faced the reality and choose only what is right and healthy for the people. Here in LAWMA, we are open to collaborations as long as it is for the good of the people, we will continue to support the Lagos State Government’s effort at entrenching policies that promote environmental sustainability and public health”, he noted.

“It is not right to place narrow business interest of a few individuals above the larger challenge of public interest. So styrofoam has to go”, he concluded.

Earlier in his opening address, the immediate past chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Frank Onyegbu, noted that the meeting was convened to be on the same page with the Lagos State government on matters of the environment, adding that a bold step was being taken by the association in providing alternatives, with the current implementation of the ban of Styrofoam products.

He said: “To ensure that we are not caught up with the current situation in future, we will not wait till the government announces further ban on other products we are manufacturing. To achieve this, we will take a cursory look at how our products affect the environment and make adjustments, where necessary.

“Going forward, with the present leadership of LAWMA, we are optimistic of a quality partnership with the Authority. We will work together with them to ensure we achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos”, Onyegbu added.

The meeting had in attendance the management staff of LAWMA, representatives of plastic production companies in Lagos and members of MAN.

In a related development, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab hosted representatives of the National Association of Supermarkets and Operators of Nigeria (NASON), where he noted that the ban on styrofoam packs should be viewed from the larger picture of public interest.

He stated further that Abia State had also banned styrofoam packs, underscoring the inherent dangers it posed, adding that the decision to ban styrofoam and other single-use plastics, had been taken at the National Council on Environment in 2021, with a three-year window for commencement of enforcement in 2024.

The Commissioner averred that at the expiration of the current three-week window given to distributors and sellers to mop the products in circulation, the state would commence enforcement of the ban, promising that it would be carried out in a civil but firm manner.

He submitted that all other single-use plastics (SUPs) would be banned before the year ends, adding that there would be windows for deliberations with all stakeholders before a total phase-out.

Wahab also urged manufacturers to be more innovative about coming up with substitutes to single-use plastics just as many countries including the massively populated India, have successfully done away with styrofoam, despite its reputation of being the country with the largest concentration of eating-out points.

It will be recalled that the Lagos State government recently banned the use and production of styrofoam packs, due to its immense adverse effects on the environment.

February 1, 2024
LAWMA Academy Organises Summer School for Pupils

LAWMA Academy, the educational arm of Lagos Waste Management Authority, has organised a four-week summer school, for children aged 8 to 12, with the aim of teaching the younger generation the fundamentals of effective waste management. The four-week programme began on 31st July 31, 2023, at the Authority’s headquarters, Ijora-Olopa.

Commenting on the program, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted that the summer school was organised to educate the younger generation, on the need to imbibe the culture of proper waste management, to teach arts and crafts, upcycling, as well as expose them to indoor and outdoor sports, field trips, among other activities.

He said, “The Summer School programme is designed to educate children from the tender age on the concept of waste management and environmental sanitation, raising ambassadors for a cleaner and healthier environment with seasoned facilitators in a conducive learning environment. This will serve to train youngsters as conscientious environmental activists while also providing other enjoyable learning opportunities.”

Dr. Gbadegesin advised parents and guardians to always take advantage of the extended school holiday to enroll their children and wards in the summer school, adding that those who could not participate physically could join online.

The Academy’s team lead, Mrs. Elizabeth Ademola, noted that it was the third edition of the programme, adding that the summer school was designed to simplify the concept of waste and environmental management for children, to ensure that each child had sufficient and holistic knowledge of environmental sustainability practices.

Since inception, hundreds of pupils in the state have benefited from the LAWMA Academy’s Summer School, acquiring essential waste management and environmental knowledge in the process.

August 1, 2023
LAWMA Sanitation Workers get free Medical Checks

No fewer than 1000 sanitation workers (street sweepers) benefitted from the free medical screening, organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA), at the Authority’s Transfer Loading Station, Simpson – Sura, Lagos Island.

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director/ CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, emphasised the need for sweepers to take matters of their health seriously, hence the outreach and the health insurance for them.

He reiterated that the sanitation workers, whom he tagged LAWMA heroes, working round the clock, remained the first point of contact, in the effort to keep Lagos clean.

He said: “You are our heroes and I do not want to lose any of you. We understand the nature of your job, we cannot afford to toy with your health, as many of you don’t visit the hospital regularly for checkups. Therefore, today, the medical officers here will do your blood pressure, sugar level, urine test and so on.

“You will be given drugs based on your test results. The present administration appreciates your effort, and we will continue to do more of this, another one is coming up by December. Your health is important to us,” he noted.

Odumboni urged the sweepers to continue to be diligent, and to be more vigilant, while discharging their duties, imploring them to place safety cones at visible spots, to protect them.

LAWMA’s medical team lead, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Okoh, stressed that over 1000 sanitation workers from LAWMA’s East1, East 2 and Central 1 Districts, were registered for the exercise, adding that the screening was aimed at detecting undiagnosed cases of hypertension, diabetes and hepatitis B.

Okoh added that medical consultations would be done for new and old medical cases, while referrals would be made to government hospitals, for persons with chronic ailments.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Oriade Aleshinloye, noted that the exercise would go a long way in helping the sweepers manage their health while appreciating the Authority for paying attention to their health and welfare.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Monsurat Alabi, urged the government to continue to care for sweepers, because of job hazards, while Mr. John Joseph, called on the Authority to organise more of health outreach engagement.

The health checkup for LAWMA’s sanitation workers will be conducted in all the districts, covering five divisions of the state.

October 27, 2022
LAWMA Academy ends Summer School for Pupils

LAWMA Academy has concluded this year’s four-week summer school for pupils, during which over 100 pupils from different schools in Lagos State, were trained on effective waste management and good environmental practices, at the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa. That school is the academic arm of the Lagos Waste Management Authority.

Addressing the pupils, Managing Director/CEO of the Authority, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, encouraged the young minds, to deploy the creative experiences they acquired during the period, to good uses in their homes, schools etc, having been trained in arts and crafts, among others.

He said “You can make use of the recyclables to make bins that you can place in your rooms when you get home. I equally want you to encourage your parents to procure their waste bins too, for proper containerization of waste. Let them know you are now environment ambassadors. Practice all you have learnt. Thank you all for participating”.

Earlier in her welcome address, the head of LAWMA Academy, Mrs. Elizabeth Ademola, noted that the programme got more entries than last year, with both physical and virtual participation.

According to her, “It is a great improvement for us to have a large number of pupils between ages 8-13, participate in this year’s summer school. The idea is to ensure we achieve a generation that will be environment-conscious, as children are more receptive to messages like this, especially when it is fun and interactive. We have been able to improve on our chain of activities, the pupils were engaged in tie and dye skills, up-cycling projects, and they also visited recycling companies.

“During their training, the pupils learnt how to reproduce lovely items from recyclables such as plastic, cardboards, wood and Ankara fabrics. They were able to make flower vases; cups; shoe rack stacks; sitting stool; LAWMA Academy logo made with wool, plastic covers; wood; reed among others”, she stressed.

Certificates were presented by the LAWMA helmsman, assisted by the Executive Director of Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi and the Financial Controller, Mrs. Jemilat Adeniran.

August 27, 2022
LAWMA Secures Jail Terms for Environmental Offenders

…collaborates with police for arrest of cart pushers

Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has secured jail terms of two months imprisonment, for three persons, for various environmental offences, with a pending judgement for another person who patronised a cart pusher.

This is coming on the heels of the agency’s collaboration with the police to put a stop to incessant attacks on LAWMA’s personnel, ensuring prompt arrest of cart pushers and for those who patronise them.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, made the disclosure in his office on Tuesday, at Ijora-Olopa, noting that the working arrangement with the police, was aimed at sustaining the renewed offensive on all forms of environmental infractions and unwarranted attacks on the agency’s personnel.

He said, “Last week, we got jail terms for three environmental offenders, with a pending sentence for another person who patronised a cart pusher, making it an offence for anyone to patronise a cart pusher. Before now, we had warned unrepentant environmental violators about our renewed offensive, urging them to shun bad practices. But some people will never change. For three such persons, we secured jail sentences of a minimum of two months while one is still pending”.

“I am also happy about LAWMA’s collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force to end needless attacks on our personnel on day or night duty. That collaboration is also to put an end to cart pushing, as any cart pusher found anywhere in Lagos will be promptly arrested and prosecuted, while those who patronise them will not be spared”, he stressed.

Speaking further, he noted that another set of 600 carts have been destroyed, bringing the total to about 3,000, in the last ten weeks.

He warned residents against patronising cart pushers, as both the cart pusher and the patron were liable, and would be accordingly prosecuted.

He said, “We have demolished carts impounded by our enforcement team in the course of their duty. This is to further reinforce our stance that the activities of cart pushers across the Lagos metropolis remain banned. We will not allow anyone or group of persons to undermine the ongoing efforts to establish a sustainable environment”.

Odumboni reiterated the Authority’s willingness to absorb willing cart pushers into the waste management system in the state, by offering them an opportunity to serve as uptakers of recyclable items, working hand in hand with other stakeholders in the waste management chain.

“The ill effects of cart pushing on our environment and security structure, mean that we have to eradicate it, to preserve lives and properties. Criminals now hide under the guise of cart pushing to carry out heinous crimes. However, as I stated earlier in the year, we are offering an opportunity to willing cart pushers to work with us, as offtakers, and by so doing have viable means of livelihood”, he stated.

The LAWMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s total commitment to making the metropolis sustainably clean, urging residents to support the Authority’s efforts, by shunning improper waste disposal, paying their waste bills and patronising assigned PSP operators.

For complaints and inquiries on waste management issues in your area, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617

August 23, 2022
Emotion, tears flow as LAWMA’s Public Affairs Director buries husband

The remains of Mr. Oluwashola Kadiri, late husband of the Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Folashade Kadiri, were laid to rest on Friday, 12th of August, 2022 at the Private Vaults, Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos.
Mr. Kadiri, popularly called ‘Solar,’ an accomplished businessman, died on 28 July, 2022, after a brief illness.

The funeral service held at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, commenced with the processional hymn, ‘Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! The strife is o’er, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun, Alleluia!’

In his message, Vicar of Christ Anglican Church, Oworoshoki, Revd. Canon Garba Ibrahim Rika who presided at the service reminded the congregation about the inevitability of death for every human being, adding that individuals should endeavour to make positive impact on people and leave the society better than they met it.

He stated that Mr. Oluwashola Kadiri touched many lives meaningfully and should be emulated by all and sundry.
He, however, charged the congregation not to be found wanting in rendering assistance to the less privileged and downtrodden in society.

In a tribute, the wife of the deceased, Folashade, described him as a great family man, personal friend and confidant, a workaholic and good-natured fellow, who lived a rancor-free life and held no grudge against anyone.

In her words: “Dearly beloved, as you take those glorious steps, down the long lonely road, towards the waiting hands of our Lord, please remember to look back at intervals, to your loved ones you left behind, and assume your new role of a guardian angel; watching over and praying for us without ceasing.

“I must also inform you ‘Solar’, that it is not all tears upon your early transition. We got consoled by numerous testimonies of friends, acquaintances and others, all affirming your eventful life that permanently impacted humanity.”

According to her, “I am deeply filled with immense gratitude to God Almighty, who made it possible for Oluwashola to have lived a life worthy of emulation. It has been a long journey of over 25 years together with him and I find it difficult to say good-bye here on earth.

“I am, however, consoled that my beloved husband has gone to rest in the bosom of the Lord and has fulfilled the desire of every Christian which is to one day leave this sinful earth and meet our maker in heaven just like Oluwashola has done.
“I am also comforted in my hope and prayers that Oluwashola and I would one day meet again to part no more, at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”

The children of the deceased, Olasunkanmi and Olamide, also extolled the virtues of their father.

According to them, “we thank God for your life, as I remembered days we argued about football, world politics or random days I just chose to challenge you on a random topic because it was one of the best ways to get great insights from you. We even shared mutual interest in our love for cars and art.”

According to Olamide, “I can’t bring myself to write this because a part of me is still waiting for you to come home and say “Olamide Kadiri” while rubbing my head. I never could have asked for a better father, you showed me I could achieve anything in life if I could only put my mind to it. You worked hard and played even harder, never failing to be there for your family and friends.”

Scores of LAWMA staff led by the management team to the service, which commenced at 10am., joined the wife of the deceased, her children, family, friends and well wishers to pay their last respect to the departed business tycoon.

In the tribute, e-Signed by the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni described Mrs. Kadiri as a woman with the rare ability to combine traumatic personal pressure, with demanding official responsibilities, without portraying negative emotions.
According to him, “She is the kind of woman I would describe as the real amazon, having the uncanny ability to cope with tense personal situations, yet found not wanting at work.

“The management and staff of LAWMA stand firm with you at this profoundly challenging period even as we unanimously pray that God will comfort you, your children and the extended family of your husband.”

The two days programme commenced on Thursday, 11th of August, 2022 with the wake-keep which was held at the Beehive School Hall, Alausa CBD, Ikeja and it enabled family, friends, associates, partners, well-wishers and mates from his Alma Mata pay their tribute.

The wake-keep and interment were attended by notable dignitaries, including present and past Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, Managing Directors, Directors in the Public Service, business tycoons, among others.

August 13, 2022
LAWMA Warns Agains Attack on its Workers

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has warned against unwarranted attacks on its workers, carrying out lawful duties of waste evacuation during the day or night time.

The Managing Director/CEO, Ibrahim Odumboni, gave the warning against the background of a reported attack by suspected miscreants on a LAWMA team, on night duty around Lagos – Abeokuta Expressway.

He indicated that if there are such attacks again, it would be met with stiff official reaction, including prosecution, to deter such others.

He said:” We are totally disappointed to hear about attacks on our workers, on official duty. It is totally unacceptable and inhuman. LAWMA works round the clock to ensure our environment is healthier and safer for everyone to live in. Our workers do not deserve to be treated that way. Anyone caught in such act again will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Odumboni urged the public to always cooperate with LAWMA workers, including the PSP operators, to keep the environment clean, for the good of everyone.

August 2, 2022
LAWMA Clears Waste Backlog

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, is clearing the backlog of waste around the city, largely through massive night operations.

The operations between the hours of 10pm and 4am, is personally coordinated by the Managing Director/CEO of the Authority, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, and have witnessed the clearance of waste indiscriminately dumped at some unauthorised locations following diesel scarcity and its exorbitant price, which negatively affected the waste evacuation efforts of the PSP operators and the agency.

Some of the areas already covered by the intensive operations include Mushin; Oshodi; Ejigbo; Lagos Mainland; Apapa axis; Surulere; Lagos Island; Ikoyi; Lekki axis; Victoria Island; and Ajah, among others.

Recall that the LAWMA helmsman, a few days ago, promised that the agency would use the opportunity of cessation of rainfall and appreciable progress on landfills’ rehabilitation, to cart away the backlog of waste.

Commenting on the progress made so far, Odumboni said: “Remember I said during the week, that we will capitalize on the cessation of rainfall and progress made on the rehabilitation of our landfills, to clear the heaps of waste.

“The strategy has paid off as we have successfully cleared waste in most areas of our Lagos Central 1 and 2, as well as East 1 and 2 districts. We are happy at the pace of progress, and the operations will continue until all parts of Lagos are covered”, he stressed.

Odumboni further appealed for support from residents to stem the tide of improper waste disposal, by bagging and containerizing their waste, as well as patronizing assigned PSP operators, adding that those caught in the act of reckless waste disposal would be made to face the law.

“We are appealing for cooperation from all residents to restore sanity back to our environment. Bagging and containerization of waste, while waiting for evacuation by assigned PSP operators, remains an effective means of curbing indiscriminate waste disposal. Anyone caught dumping indiscriminately would be sanctioned accordingly”, he said.

He enjoined residents with complaints and enquiries on waste management-related issues in their areas, to please call LAWMA toll-free lines – 07080601020 and 617 for prompt intervention.

July 24, 2022
LAWMA, LASUBEB aims to Incorporate Waste Management in School Curriculum

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA) is collaborating with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, (LASUBEB), to incorporate waste management in the curriculum of primary schools in the state, as a way of re-orientating the younger generations for sustainable environment.

At the inaugural training of teachers, themed: Waste Education in the 21st Century, held at LASUBEB, Maryland, the Managing Director/CEO of (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that incorporating waste management into the academic curriculum of primary schools, was the most creative was of reshaping the environmental consciousness of the younger generation.

He said the initiative became necessary, to mitigate reckless dumping of waste around Lagos, stressing that, it was not enough to keep sweeping the streets of Lagos to keep it clean, but to arrest indiscriminate dumping around the city.

Odumboni who copiously commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support and effort at repositioning LAWMA, said, “We have decided to change the narrative of waste management through the young ones, by catching them young. Because we understand that teachers are the best advocates and change agents whose impact cannot be shoved aside, we are optimistic that incorporating waste management into primary school curriculum, would not only be taught but put into practice, for the students and with time, become a tradition’’.

Reiterating the need to catch the pupils young for them to serve as change agents, Odumboni noted, that LAWMA Academy, a knowledge hub of waste management operated by the agency, was borne out of the need to manage waste in a smart and modern way, and to instill sound understanding of waste management, in the pupils to turn waste to wealth.

“The challenge of improper waste management among Lagos residents, is as a result of not having proper understanding of waste management, and not being environment friendly. Therefore, we need to teach these children how to understand sorting of waste and keeping their environment clean, while regional trainings will be held in schools from time to time. This will no doubt help them develop a positive attitude towards waste and in future, we would have proud waste managers and business experts among them”, he noted.

In his address, the Chairman of LASUBEB, Honourable Wahab Alawiye King, appreciated LAWMA, for coming up with the laudable initiative, describing it as the first of its kind in sub-Sahara Africa.

According to him, “At LASUBEB, our aim is to create an enabling environment for quality education for pupils, as well as improve quality of teaching and learning. Therefore, we will work together with LAWMA and instill environmental discipline in the pupils, to make them conscious of their actions and inactions, towards the environment. We are thankful for this thoughtful and impactful initiative”.

Also, the Chief Technical Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Olorunwa Tijani, commended Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support to the agency, noting that, LAWMA’s collaboration with LASUBEB on the curriculum issue, would invariably change the waste management culture of the pupils and adults in future.

Papers presented include: Solid Waste Management in the 21st Century by Dr. Essien Nsuabia; LAWMA Academy and Brief on Establishment of Waste Clubs and Incorporation of Waste Management in Primary Schools by Mrs. Elizabeth Ademola; as well as Waste Education in 21st Century by Dr. Michael Ahove, among others.

Other dignitaries at the event include: Hon. Sherifat Abiodun Adedoyin, Permanent Member, Lagos SUBEB board; Hon. Dayo Israel, Permanent Member, Lagos SUBEB Board; Dr. Nsuabia Essien, Assistant General Manager, Waste Management Development and the AGM Human Resources and Admin, Mr Taoheed Dosumu, among others.

April 15, 2021