Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), took center stage at Babcock University’s event on “Sustaining the Planet, Upholding the Law: Green Justice in Action,” advocating for a future where waste is not just managed but turned into a resource for sustainable development. The event brought together renowned sustainability experts to address pressing environmental issues, underscoring the role of legislation, community engagement, and education.
Gbadegesin highlighted LAWMA’s strides toward environmental transformation by implementing cutting-edge waste management practices. He pointed to the planned replacement of the Epe landfill with a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant capable of processing 2,500 tons of waste daily, generating between 60 and 80 megawatts of electricity. This, he noted, represents LAWMA’s commitment to diverting waste from landfills and harnessing economic opportunities in waste materials through recycling.
“The greatest challenge to sustainability lies in human behaviour. Whether it stems from a lack of knowledge or deeply ingrained attitudes towards waste management, we must continue to educate and enforce compliance to achieve our environmental goals,” Gbadegesin stated, emphasizing that sustainable change begins with people’s willingness to adapt.
He also emphasized that robust legislation was critical, sharing how LAWMA has stepped up its enforcement by arraigning 50 residents before a mobile court for reckless waste dumping. “This action shows our commitment to enforcing the environmental laws of the state,” he said, further advocating for legal frameworks to encourage responsible waste practices.
LAWMA’s efforts extend to public education and community engagement, with initiatives like LAWMA Academy regularly visiting schools to educate students on sustainable waste management. Gbadegesin explained the importance of household compliance, noting the agency’s push for proper waste separation and the use of reusable bags.
Panelists at the event added their voices to the call for sustainable practices. Kehinde Fadare, Sustainable Development Advisor at KPMG, emphasized that achieving sustainability goals requires a cultural shift in how people view waste. “Having the right mindset can help us shift from seeing sustainability as a costly endeavor to recognizing its long-term value,” he said, calling for strong public-private partnerships to drive meaningful change.
Similarly, Modupeoluwa Williams, Sustainability Consultant at Forvis Mazars, discussed the impact of consumption patterns on waste. She pointed to the shift from reusable bottled drinks to single-use plastics, calling for a return to sustainable consumption through principles like Reducing, Substituting, Recycling, and Ensuring Safe Disposal of waste.
Expanding on the popular “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mantra, the panelists added a fourth “R” – “Refuse.” They encouraged individuals to actively reject environmentally harmful items, stressing that this conscious choice could help curb waste at its source.
Also present at the event were Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Head of Public Affairs at LAWMA, and Mrs. Bukola Adeyemo, Head of LAWMA’s Legal Unit, both of whom play critical roles in advocating and enforcing LAWMA’s sustainability agenda.
