…Swift interventions, new task force, and fleet expansion underway to restore cleaner streets rapidly

Babajide Fadoju …

The Lagos State Government has acknowledged growing public concerns over waste accumulation in parts of the metropolis, attributing the issue primarily to the ongoing decommissioning of the Olusosun landfill and pledging immediate and robust measures to restore normalcy.

In an official statement released today via the Commissioner for the environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab X handle, the government explained that the closure of Olusosun has redirected large volumes of refuse to alternative sites in Epe and Badagry, resulting in longer turnaround times for Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators and temporary strain on the evacuation system.

To tackle the backlog, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been mobilised to provide direct support in overwhelmed areas, with intervention teams already active at identified black spots across the state. The government also revealed that plans are underway to procure and deploy additional trucks to bolster LAWMA’s fleet and accelerate response times.
In a stronger push against illegal dumping, a dedicated Task Force has been established to crack down on roadside waste disposal, particularly linked to unauthorised street trading.

The team will operate round-the-clock with full enforcement powers to uphold environmental regulations without compromise.
The statement appealed to residents to dispose of waste responsibly, especially during the festive season, by using only approved PSP operators and avoiding littering. “While we take full responsibility for these inconveniences,” it read, “this administration is fully committed to the vision of a cleaner, more orderly, and sustainable city. The current challenges are being actively and systematically addressed through deliberate and targeted measures.”

Officials urged continued partnership from Lagosians, emphasising that collective adherence to proper waste practices will help achieve a healthier environment.
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of waste management in the nation’s commercial capital, as residents navigate the holiday period. With these interventions, the government expressed confidence that normal service would resume swiftly, reinforcing its #CleanerLagos agenda.