L-R: Prof. Lynn Schler, Head of the African Studies Department at Ben-Gurion University and Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA's Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by hosting students and faculty from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on a study tour addressing urban waste management challenges and climate resilience.
According to a statement by LAWMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, the delegation, led by Prof. Lynn Schler, Head of the African Studies Department at Ben-Gurion University, was welcomed by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
During the session, Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized LAWMA’s transition from traditional waste disposal to an integrated sustainability model that prioritizes waste reduction, recycling, and environmental protection.
He noted that LAWMA, established in 1977, was created to address Lagos’ growing waste crisis but has since evolved into a sustainability-driven agency. Its strategies align with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly its focus on health and the environment.
“Waste is not just something to be discarded; it is a resource,” Gbadegesin stated. “We are shifting from mere waste collection to circular economy solutions that create jobs, reduce pollution, and promote environmental stewardship.”
Read also: LAWMA to Reform Lagos Waste Management With100 CNG Waste Compactors
Recognizing the impact of climate change and rapid urbanization, LAWMA is actively integrating informal waste pickers into the formal economy through the “Last Man Collector” initiative.
“At the Olusosun dumpsite alone, there are about 3,000 scavengers. So far, we have enumerated around 5,000 of them, and our goal is to structure their roles in waste recovery and recycling,” Gbadegesin explained.
Additionally, LAWMA announced plans to establish an upcycling center in Otto, one of Lagos’ oldest communities. This initiative will:
Train young people in upcycling and sustainable waste transformation.
Encourage creative reuse of materials, reducing landfill waste.
Support small-scale green enterprises, fostering eco-friendly innovations.
Commending LAWMA’s forward-thinking approach, Prof. Schler praised the agency’s leadership in waste management and environmental conservation.
“If this were the only activity on our study tour, it would have been entirely worthwhile. The leadership and forward-thinking strategies at LAWMA are truly inspiring,” she said.
Students also expressed their enthusiasm about the learning experience. Shira Lahav, a Ben-Gurion University student, highlighted the importance of global partnerships in tackling waste management challenges.
“This experience exceeded my expectations. Learning about Lagos’ sustainability efforts has been incredibly insightful,” Lahav remarked.
Similarly, Femi Anjola, a history and strategic studies student from UNILAG, shared how the visit reshaped her understanding of waste management in Lagos.
“I have seen PSP operators in my area, but today, I have gained a much deeper appreciation of how structured and impactful the system is,” Anjola said.
The visit concluded with an interactive session, where students and faculty engaged Dr. Gbadegesin in discussions on LAWMA’s challenges and innovative solutions for a cleaner, greener Lagos.
As the city continues to grow, LAWMA remains committed to sustainable waste management, environmental education, and climate resilience—ensuring that Lagos leads in Africa’s circular economy revolution.
