Enhancing public sensitization through strategic partnerships with credible media organizations has been identified as a key strategy for promoting positive behavioral change and responsible waste management across Lagos State.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Operations Office of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the National Art Theatre, Iganmu.
He emphasized the commitment of both agencies to deepen collaboration in strengthening public awareness and improving waste management practices in the state.
Dr. Gbadegesin described the engagement as a strategic follow-up to the existing partnership between the two institutions, noting that collaboration with credible media organizations remains essential to driving behavioral change in a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos.
He disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the engagement of 300 Environmental Health Officers across wards in the state to boost grassroots advocacy and compliance monitoring.
He stressed that residents who violate environmental regulations would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.
The LAWMA boss also highlighted the Authority’s collaboration with Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) under a Public-Private Partnership framework to support the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered waste collection trucks.
The initiative, he said, is aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
He further noted that the government’s waste-to-wealth initiative is progressing steadily, with plans to replicate the biodigester model currently deployed at Ikosi Fruit Market in other markets.
The initiative forms part of LAWMA’s transition to a circular economy framework designed to reduce pressure on landfills and generate useful by-products.
Addressing service delivery under the Private Sector Participation (PSP) framework, Dr. Gbadegesin revealed that 27 non-performing PSP operators had been disengaged in 2025, while 22 others have been placed on final notice to improve performance or face similar action.
He maintained that high operational standards remain non-negotiable.
He also announced plans for a strategic retreat with the Lagos State House of Assembly to review the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017, with a view to aligning it with emerging environmental realities and evolving waste management challenges.
Earlier, the Managing Editor and Acting Head of Lagos NAN Operations, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, commended LAWMA for the visit and reaffirmed NAN’s commitment to supporting the Authority’s initiatives through sustained media coverage. She also encouraged LAWMA to subscribe to NAN’s PR Wire service to further amplify its programmes and milestones.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh