The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the waste management process from a “collect and dump” model to a sustainable circular economy. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Friday during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Ikeja.
Wahab said the state generates over 13,000 metric tonnes of solid waste daily and has signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to convert waste into valuable resources. These include a smelting plant for electronic waste and a 60-80MW Waste-to-Energy project on the Epe landfill in partnership with Dutch firm Harvest Waste Consortium.
Another MoU with Lafarge Africa/Geocycle targets the treatment of non-recyclable waste for industrial energy use. Wahab said these partnerships position Lagos as a leader in recycling and clean energy development.
He highlighted the government’s ban on styrofoam and single-use plastics, which contribute to flooding by clogging drainage systems. Over 123.95 metric tonnes of confiscated styrofoam have been removed from circulation since enforcement began in early 2025.
To maintain a clean environment, 15,000 street sweepers are deployed daily. Enforcement efforts have also led to the arrest of 3,786 street traders and 700 individuals for unsafe highway crossings. The state’s KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) team collaborates with other agencies to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
In a bid to end open defecation, 150 new public toilets are under construction, with an additional 250 being built through Public-Private Partnerships under the WASH initiative. The Ministry has also launched an Anti-Open Defecation Squad at Ojodu Berger.
Efforts to control flooding include the maintenance and cleaning of 666,740 kilometers of drainage systems and restoration of primary and secondary drainage channels. Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs have cleared major dark spots and collectors in key locations.
The government Is also tackling flooding in Lagos Island through a state-of-the-art pumping station at Ilubirin—the first of its kind in Africa—which will discharge stormwater directly into the lagoon through elevated channels.
Drainage channels in and around schools across Agege, Alimosho, Surulere, and other areas have also been deflooded to enhance stormwater management. Contracts have been awarded for additional channels, with some projects already at various stages of completion.
To support flood prediction, river gauging stations and automatic weather stations across the state are being maintained year-round for real-time data collection and analysis.
Lagos is also investing in climate resilience through urban greening, improved air quality, and a tree planting initiative. The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency aims to plant 50,000 more trees over two years through its “A Tree for Lagos” campaign.
Finally, Wahab said the Lagos Water Corporation has revived key water projects, including the 70MGD Adiyan II, set for completion by 2027, and the re-commissioning of the 2MGD Mosan Okunola plant, ending decades of water scarcity in Baruwa-Abesan.