Lagos Commissioner Responds to Waste Management Criticism

Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, addressed criticisms from African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour regarding waste management and flooding in Lagos. Wahab acknowledged that Lagos generates approximately 13,000 to 15,000 tonnes of municipal waste daily and admitted to collection failures and operational challenges.

He clarified that in May 2026, LAWMA and private sector participants evacuated about 418,500 tonnes of waste, averaging 13,200 tonnes daily. Wahab emphasized that while there are issues, it is misleading to claim that the state lacks a waste management plan.

He explained that delays at disposal facilities disrupt collection schedules, leading to refuse accumulation. Improvements have been made at the Olusosun disposal facility, with truck movements increasing significantly following recent interventions.

Additionally, Wahab mentioned investments in modern waste management solutions, including transfer loading stations, recycling, and the Epe waste-to-energy project.