Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, has issued a public apology to residents of Lagos over the recent lapses in waste evacuation and management across the state.
In a frank admission during an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, the Commissioner acknowledged that waste collection services have been “very bad” over the past three to four months, leading to heaps of refuse along major roads, drainage channels, and residential areas.
“Let me start by apologising to Lagosians. The past three to four months have been very bad with respect to waste collection, but we didn’t just get there overnight,” Wahab stated. He emphasized that the government is actively addressing the challenges and transitioning from a linear waste disposal system to a more sustainable model that treats waste as a resource.
The Commissioner highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the commissioning of a food waste digester at Ikosi (piloted and funded in partnership with C-40) that converts waste to energy. He noted that the state evacuates an average of 13,200 tonnes of waste daily but faces hurdles such as rising operational costs, underperforming operators, poor payment compliance by residents, and infrastructure constraints.
“We had a challenge and we are fixing it,” Wahab assured. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified monitoring, sanctioned weak operators, reviewed routes, and is clearing black spots daily. Long-term reforms aim to promote recycling, reduce landfill dependency, and improve overall sanitation.
The apology comes amid growing public frustration and social media outcry over overflowing dumpsites, which residents say pose health and environmental risks, especially during the rainy season.
The Lagos State Government reiterates its commitment to restoring efficient waste management services and calls on residents to play their part through timely payment of waste collection fees and proper waste segregation.