Lagos Commissioner Apologizes for Waste Management Woes, Promises Reforms

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has issued an apology to residents for the ongoing challenges in the state's waste management system. The commissioner acknowledged the difficulties and assured the public that the government is actively working on solutions.

Wahab's apology comes weeks after a special report by PREMIUM TIMES highlighted the mounting heaps of refuse overwhelming major roads, markets, and residential areas across Lagos. The report raised significant concerns about environmental sanitation and public health, detailing operational inefficiencies and infrastructure gaps within the waste management system.

Following the publication, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered an immediate increase in waste evacuation efforts across the state. He acknowledged residents' concerns and directed relevant agencies to intensify cleanup operations, promising long-term reforms to bolster the waste management infrastructure.

Commissioner Wahab further explained that Lagos is shifting from its traditional linear waste management approach to a circular economy model. This new strategy aims to treat waste as a valuable resource, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and generating economic benefits. As part of this transition, the state has commissioned a food waste digester at Ikosi, designed to convert organic waste into energy, a pilot project funded by C-40 in support of the state's sustainable waste management goals. The government reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing waste management and ensuring cleaner communities.

“

We had a challenge and we are fixing it.