Lagos waste authority projects 5,000 jobs from new recycling facilities

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is set to generate around 5,000 jobs with the development of new material recovery facilities across the state. Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA's Managing Director, announced that these facilities will provide improved and safer working environments for individuals currently engaged in informal waste picking.

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The material recovery facilities will create about 5,000 jobs. Many of those currently working as scavengers will have opportunities to work in a cleaner environment and even earn more income.

"The material recovery facilities will create about 5,000 jobs. Many of those currently working as scavengers will have opportunities to work in a cleaner environment and even earn more income," Gbadegesin stated during an interview while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Apapa. This initiative is a key component of ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing waste management operations and decreasing the state's dependence on traditional landfill sites.

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Once the transfer loading stations are completed, waste will no longer be dumped directly at the landfill sites. The sites will be closed, covered and eventually repurposed for other uses. The waste will be transported to material recovery facilities where recyclable and valuable materials will be separated and processed.

LAWMA is gradually phasing out operations at the Olusosun and Solous landfill sites. Waste management firm Zoomlion Nigeria has begun constructing transfer loading stations at these locations. Once completed, private sector participants will deliver waste to these stations instead of directly to the landfills. The existing landfill sites will eventually be closed, covered, and repurposed for other uses, while waste will be transported to the material recovery facilities for sorting and processing of recyclable materials.

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The state government has a plan to convert the road network within the dump sites to rigid pavement. This will transform operations, particularly at the Olusosun and other landfill sites, which are most affected during the rainy season.

Addressing challenges posed by the rainy season, which often makes access roads within landfill sites difficult to navigate, Gbadegesin noted that the state government plans to upgrade these roads to rigid pavement. This upgrade aims to ensure year-round accessibility, transforming operations particularly at the Olusosun site. Gbadegesin also observed an increase in public participation in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, indicating growing awareness and engagement within communities.

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The positive aspect is that there is more awareness today. As we move around communities, we see people already cleaning the frontages of their homes even before officials arrive. That is encouraging.