Mr Femi Olaniyi-Ferrari, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, has called for a comprehensive review of the state’s waste management system amid concerns over refuse disposal in parts of the state.
Olaniyi-Ferrari made the call on Tuesday in Lagos while reacting to a media report that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had asked Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), to resign over waste management challenges.
He said the situation required a holistic assessment of waste collection, transportation, disposal and recycling, rather than focusing solely on the leadership of the agency.
According to him, reports of refuse accumulation in some communities had raised concerns about sanitation, public health and the environment.
“Addressing the waste management challenges in Lagos requires a holistic approach that examines the entire system, including the operations of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, disposal facilities and recycling infrastructure,” he said.
The SDP candidate identified prompt payment to PSP operators, provision of adequate operational equipment and effective management of disposal facilities as areas requiring urgent attention.
He also called for a sustainable policy framework to encourage recycling and convert waste to economic opportunities.
Olaniyi-Ferrari proposed the decentralisation of LAWMA’s operations into five regional hubs, supported by transfer loading stations, to improve waste collection and transportation.
He said the state government should consider providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered compactors to PSP operators to enhance efficiency and ensure cleaner waste transportation.
“Private waste collection operators need an enabling environment, including timely payments, appropriate equipment and effective coordination, to deliver services efficiently,” he said.
The candidate further proposed the establishment of recycling plants in Epe and Ikorodu, noting that investment in waste processing could create jobs and boost local economic development.
He said the government should assess the operational capacity of the Olusosun and Solous landfill sites to determine measures needed to improve disposal and reduce delays.
Olaniyi-Ferrari said waste management policies should incorporate long-term planning, infrastructure development, public participation and measurable performance targets.
He said the government should provide clear information on waste management operations and regularly update the public on progress in addressing sanitation challenges.
The SDP candidate expressed sympathy for Gbadegesin, noting that the situation should be examined within the broader context of the agency’s operational responsibilities and the government’s environmental policies.
He urged the state government to consider both immediate interventions and long-term reforms to improve sanitation and prevent recurrence.
“Residents deserve a waste management system that prioritises public health, environmental sustainability and efficient service delivery.
“The objective should be to develop lasting solutions that benefit communities across Lagos,” he said.
Olaniyi-Ferrari added that his approach to waste management would focus on improving coordination, expanding recycling opportunities and strengthening infrastructure required to manage the state’s waste.
