By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to convert refuse into reusable materials as part of a broader strategy to tackle the city’s growing waste management crisis.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso disclosed this during an ASK Lagos interview on X, revealing that the state has entered into a partnership with an overseas firm to drive the initiative. He added that the project has already secured legislative backing from the Lagos State House of Assembly and is expected to commence soon.
The move comes as Lagos continues to grapple with mounting waste challenges driven by rapid urbanization and population growth. The state generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, making it one of the largest waste-producing cities in Africa.
The commissioner stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient without a corresponding change in public behaviour.
He warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and announced plans to reintroduce the monthly environmental sanitation exercise beginning in April, noting that the once-strong sanitation culture in the state has significantly declined over time.
According to him, “the government has provided the necessary facilities, but residents must take responsibility and avoid abusing them.”
On transportation and road management, the commissioner pointed to the strain placed on infrastructure and enforcement agencies by Lagos’ estimated population of over 25 million residents.
He explained that the limited number of law enforcement personnel has resulted in operational overlaps, with multiple agencies performing functions outside their core mandates in a bid to maintain order across the megacity.
The commissioner further attributed rising cases of indiscipline to population pressure and socio-economic challenges, noting that issues such as unemployment and poverty are often cited as justifications for non-compliance with regulations.
He also addressed the persistent issue of street begging, revealing that while some individuals are taken off the streets to correctional facilities, many eventually return due to overcrowding and systemic limitations.
Despite these challenges, he reiterated the state government’s commitment to sustainable urban management, emphasising that ongoing reforms including waste-to-resource initiatives are aimed at transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
Analysts say Lagos waste burden, if properly harnessed through recycling and circular economy models, could unlock significant economic value while improving public health and environmental sustainability.