Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed an immediate scale-up of waste evacuation across the state.
Mr Sanwo-Olu, in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Thursday, said the move follows a recent build-up of refuse in some parts of the state.
The governor said the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and the Ministry of Environment are currently mobilised to work around the clock.
“Dear Lagosians, I have directed an immediate scale-up of waste evacuation across Lagos following the recent build-up of refuse in some parts of our state.
“LAWMA, LASEPA, and the Ministry of Environment are currently working around the clock. We have deployed extra trucks and personnel to clear the backlogs across all affected neighbourhoods. You should already see progress on the streets, and we will not stop until our city is completely clean again,” he said.
Waste, often called rubbish, garbage or junk, is anything that we no longer want or need and we end up throwing ‘away’. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said poor waste collection contributes to environmental and marine pollution and often blocks drainage channels.
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Studies by the World Bank also show that illegal dumping and open burning are common where formal collection fails, exposing residents to hazardous pollutants that can cause respiratory illnesses and other health risks.
According to Mr Sanwo-Olu, Lagos generates over 13,000 tons of waste every single day, stressing that “managing this requires a massive effort, but our determination to fix the current challenge is absolute.”
He urged Lagosians to bag their waste properly and avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels or on the roads.
“As we continue this cleanup, I ask for your partnership. Please bag your waste properly and avoid dumping refuse in drainage channels or on the roads. We are fully on top of this situation. Let us work together to keep Lagos clean and safe for everyone,” he said.
