Sanwo-Olu Directs Waste Evacuation Across Lagos

The Lagos State Government has directed an immediate scale-up of waste evacuation operations across the state following concerns over the accumulation of refuse in some parts of Lagos.

In a statement on Thursday, by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the government assured residents that the situation is receiving top priority attention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the entire state machinery.

According to the statement, “Lagosians deserve a clean, healthy and environmentally sustainable city,” adding that the administration “remains fully committed to delivering on that obligation” despite the current challenges.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has therefore ordered relevant agencies and service providers to intensify waste evacuation efforts, with operations running round the clock to clear backlogs and restore normalcy across affected areas. Additional resources have also been deployed to strengthen ongoing interventions.

The directive covers key environmental agencies including the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), and other relevant departments, all tasked to “double down on their efforts.”

Sanwo-Olu Reassures Residents on Waste Management Efforts in Lagos

The government noted that Lagos generates about 13,000 tons of waste daily, describing it as one of the highest rates in Africa, while acknowledging that occasional disruptions may occur in such a rapidly growing megacity.

However, it stressed that the current situation is temporary, stating that “substantial progress is already being recorded in several locations,” with further improvements expected in the coming days as operations intensify.

Reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Sanwo-Olu administration said it has made significant investments in waste management infrastructure and urban renewal, which will continue to be strengthened.

Residents were urged to remain calm and supportive of ongoing efforts, as the government assured that the situation will not be allowed to persist. It also called on citizens, market associations, and businesses to dispose of waste responsibly and avoid blocking drainage channels and designated collection points.

The statement concluded that the government remains fully committed to protecting public health and ensuring a cleaner Lagos, noting that “A cleaner Lagos is not merely an aspiration; it is a commitment we will continue to deliver.”