The Lagos State Government has announced plans to decommission the Olusosun landfill and Solous 3 dumpsite within the next 18 months as part of ongoing reforms in the state’s waste management system.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the Ojota and Igando landfill facilities on Saturday.
He said the government is moving towards a modern, sustainable waste-to-wealth framework that will significantly reduce the volume of refuse ending up in dumpsites across the state.
According to Wahab, engagements with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators have been ongoing, with the decommissioning plan already approved at various levels of state executive deliberations.
He explained that Lagos has begun opening new landfill sites in Badagry, Ikorodu and Epe to ensure that proper alternatives are in place before shutting down the old facilities.
Wahab said: “We have said we have to decommission Solous 3 and Olusosun.
That plan is already in the works.
I can assure you that in 18 months or thereabout, the full decommissioning process will commence.”
He added that Zoom Lion, a partner in the state’s waste-to-wealth initiative, will begin operating a material recovery facility at the designated location near Olusosun, which will trigger the phased closure and global-standard capping of the site.
On infrastructure concerns, the commissioner noted that the access roads leading to both dump sites are in poor condition, with plans already underway for repairs.
He also cautioned PSP operators against indiscriminate parking of waste trucks around the landfill entrances, saying it worsens congestion and undermines ongoing reforms.
Wahab further assured residents that the new landfill sites will not pose any health risks to host communities, emphasizing that Lagos is transitioning from a linear disposal method to a sustainable and environmentally friendly circular waste system.
“Waste will now be treated as a resource. We will recycle, we will convert some into compost, others into energy, and only a minimal percentage will end up in the landfill,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the state will continue to strengthen infrastructure, enforce compliance, and engage stakeholders as preparations for the closure of both major dumpsites progress.