According to the Lagos garbage Management Authority, infrastructure deficiencies are partially to blame for the state's garbage management issues.

Mukaila Sanusi, the Director of Public Affairs of LAWMA, made this statement on Wednesday.

The statement claims that Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, made this claim at a recent TVC discussion show called Your View.

Gbadegesin also declared that the state is aiming to exploit the economic potential of its waste management value chain through the renovation of existing Transfer Loading Stations and Material Recovery Facilities.

The modifications aim to enhance efficiency, boost recycling, and encourage a circular economy.

“Waste management challenges in the state were partly linked to gaps in infrastructure. A rapidly growing megacity like Lagos requires continuous upgrades to its waste transfer and recovery systems, among others,” Gbadegesin stated.

According to him, the ongoing revamp of TLS and MRFs would enhance waste evacuation, “increase material recovery, reduce pressure on disposal sites, and create opportunities for private sector participation across the waste management value chain.”

Gbadegesin acknowledged the role of private sector participation operators, describing their work as difficult but essential to maintaining cleanliness across the state.

He added that LAWMA was always there to provide backup services wherever there was a challenge.

According to the LAWMA chairman, illegal dumping is a careless trash disposal practice that is frequently associated with unapproved locations and informal settlements, endangering both the environment and human health.

Gbadegesin reaffirmed that people must correctly package their waste, join up with licensed PSP operators, and pay for pickup services to assure efficient waste management.

He said that LAWMA was testing a waste-to-energy project at Ikosi-Ketu Market, showcasing the advantages of a circular economy strategy by using a biodigester to turn organic waste into energy.

On enforcement, he stressed that LAWMA would continue to maintain a hard stance on environmental infractions, boosting efforts to prosecute criminals, while urging communities to avoid indiscriminate dumping and report any violations to the authorities.

LAWMA is the statutory agency responsible for managing solid waste and environmental sanitation in Lagos State.

It was established by the Lagos State Government to address the growing challenges of waste generation arising from rapid urbanisation, population growth, and economic activities in the state.

LAWMA’s core mandate is to ensure a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment through effective waste collection, transportation, treatment, recycling, and disposal.

Over the years, the agency has evolved from direct waste collection to a public–private partnership model, engaging private sector operators to enhance efficiency and coverage across residential, commercial, and industrial areas.