The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reaffirmed that the state government has banned the activities of cart pushers collecting waste across Lagos.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Sunday on the state’s waste management reforms, Wahab said the decision was made to promote a more structured and environmentally sustainable system.
“Lagos has banned those cart pushers. We had banned them in Lagos. And to say you banned them is not enough. You must let people see the timetable of what is in place that will replace them,” Wahab said.
He explained that the ban is part of the state’s broader waste management strategy to ensure proper collection and disposal through an organised timetable.
Wahab also addressed concerns about open waste dumping in some areas, noting that the government is implementing innovative solutions to manage the city’s waste efficiently.
“The bulk of our waste in this part of the world are composts. And that’s why I said, if you notice Lagos had signed an agreement, even a consensual agreement with a company called Zoom Lion. And that is to convert 4,000 tons of our daily waste into compost fertilizers, which will be 55% of it. Then the remainder will be recyclable. Then what will end up in our landfills will be less than 5%,” he said.
He further explained that the state is taking steps to shut down notorious landfill sites. “That’s why we’re saying we are decommissioning some landfills that have become notorious.” Wahab stated.
The Commissioner emphasised that Lagos is embracing a forward-thinking approach to waste management, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
“These are long-term plans. Globally, there are challenges around waste management. But the truth is, you have to be forward-thinking to understand that linear waste management system is not sustainable. It’s not environmentally friendly. Hence, you must see waste beyond that waste. You must be able to see waste as a resource. And that resource is inexhaustible,” he added.
Wahab reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Lagos into a cleaner, more environmentally responsible state through policies and programmes that make waste management both efficient and sustainable.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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