By Stephen Simon
The Lagos State Government has assured residents that urgent steps are being taken to address the recent accumulation of refuse in parts of the state, following growing concerns over waste management challenges in several communities.
In a statement on Wednesday, the government acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the situation and said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed an immediate scale-up of waste evacuation operations across Lagos.
According to the government, relevant agencies and service providers have been mobilised to work round the clock to clear refuse backlogs and restore normal waste collection services as quickly as possible.
The state government said additional resources had been deployed to support ongoing operations, while strategic interventions were being implemented to improve the efficiency of waste collection and disposal across affected areas.
“We are not oblivious to the inconveniences and concerns occasioned by the situation. Lagosians deserve a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city, and this administration remains fully committed to delivering on that obligation,” the statement said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also directed the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts aimed at addressing the challenge.
The government noted that Lagos, as one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing cities, generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, making waste management a complex task that requires constant monitoring and operational efficiency.
While acknowledging that occasional disruptions may occur within such a large urban ecosystem, the government maintained that it possesses the capacity and determination to resolve the current situation.
The assurance comes amid public complaints over growing heaps of refuse in some parts of the state, with residents expressing concerns about possible environmental and public health implications if the situation persists.
The government urged residents to continue supporting efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness and pledged to keep citizens informed as measures to restore normalcy progress.
