Sanwo-Olu Orders 160 New Compactors to Tackle Lagos Waste Crisis
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced urgent measures to tackle recent delays in waste collection across the state, citing increasing refuse accumulation as unacceptable. The governor shared his plans in a post on social media platform X, following an inspection of waste management efforts at the Olusosun dumpsite.
During the visit, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of resolving collection delays that have frustrated residents in recent weeks. He stated, “We were out at the Olusosun dumpsite to inspect our waste management operations firsthand. I know the collection delays across Lagos have been frustrating, and seeing waste piled up is unacceptable. We are taking direct action to fix this.”
To enhance waste collection efficiency, the state government will level and expand access roads at its five major dumpsites, allowing waste trucks to operate without delays. Additionally, Sanwo-Olu announced the procurement of 160 new compactors to bolster the state’s waste collection fleet, with support from development partners expected to provide additional heavy-duty equipment.
The governor also revealed plans to restructure the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to ensure stricter oversight of waste collection operations. He stated, “We are restructuring LAWMA to ensure stricter oversight on the ground and we are working with the PSP operators to clean up their operations and ensure only capable and committed teams are on our roads.”
In a long-term effort to modernize waste management, the state government is planning the construction of two major Transfer Loading Stations at Olusosun and Solous 3. Material Recovery Facilities will also be established in Epe and Badagry to improve waste sorting and recycling efforts.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for community involvement in keeping Lagos clean. He warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste and indicated that environmental enforcement officers would arrest and prosecute those who violate waste management laws. “Indiscriminate dumping on our streets will not be tolerated, and environmental enforcement officers will arrest and prosecute offenders,” he said.
Assuring residents of ongoing efforts to resolve waste management challenges, he added, “We are on it, and you will see the difference soon.”
