By Abdullahi Lukman
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on residents to view waste not as a burden but as a valuable economic resource, emphasizing the importance of recycling and circular economy practices for sustainable development.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Gbadegesin stressed that embracing waste sorting and recycling can yield financial returns and environmental benefits.
“What people call waste is actually money. We must move toward a circular economy where we reduce, reuse, and recycle,” he said.
He urged households to sort waste at the source by using separate bins for general waste and recyclables such as paper, plastic bottles, cans, and textiles, which can be exchanged for money or incentives through recycling firms.
Gbadegesin also highlighted the vital role of the private sector, encouraging more participation in recycling initiatives.
He disclosed that LAWMA plans to replace the soon-to-be-decommissioned Olusosun and Solous landfills with Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to enhance value recovery from waste.
As part of its innovation drive, LAWMA is collaborating with waste-tech company GreenDeall to establish a recycling plant in Abule-Egba, which will convert specific types of plastic into industrial-use oil.
Additionally, a “deal book” showcasing investment opportunities in the waste sector and a digital base map to guide users through LAWMA’s online platform are expected to launch later this year.
Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to youth engagement through its educational arm, the LAWMA Academy, which offers waste management training and internship opportunities for undergraduates.
“We want our alumni to become LAWMA ambassadors in their communities,” he said, noting the distribution of 2,000 recycling bins to schools.
To further promote hands-on learning, two pilot recycling hubs will soon be launched in schools in .
These hubs will feature student-run sorting systems for various waste types, including metals, organic matter, and paper.
Gbadegesin concluded that the most significant challenge in waste management remains public attitude.
“Infrastructure alone is not enough. We must change the public mindset. That’s why we are investing in the next generation,” he said.
