Lagos State Government Organises One-Day Workshop for LAWMA on Disaster Waste Management
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to sustainable waste management with the organisation of a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on construction, demolition, and disaster waste (CDDW) management.
The forum, held in Ikoyi, Lagos, was organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in partnership with Wastecare Solutions Ltd. It brought together stakeholders from the construction and environment sectors to develop strategies for handling the increasing waste generated from building activities and disaster-related incidents.
Themed “Building Responsibly and Driving Efficiency: Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration in Construction, Demolition and Disaster Waste Management in Lagos State,” the event highlighted the need for sustainable approaches to urban growth and resilience.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Mr. Adeoye Babajide, said the workshop was designed to promote ideas that would enhance environmental safety and livability. He emphasised Lagos’ responsibility to adopt circular economy principles by reducing, reusing, and recycling.
“The theme is critical and timely. Lagos cannot afford to be submerged in unmanaged waste. We must embrace sustainable construction and demolition practices,” Wahab said.
He urged stakeholders to comply with waste handling and recycling regulations, warning that violators risk sanctions, including site closures.
LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by Executive Director Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, stressed the importance of partnerships in environmental sustainability. “Lagos thrives on collaboration. Through partnerships and coordinated efforts, we can achieve better outcomes for our communities,” he noted.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Tijani Ajibola, in his paper titled “Bridging the Gap between Policy and Practice: Strengthening Compliance in Construction and Demolition Waste Management,” explained that poorly managed CDDW contributes to air pollution and other environmental hazards. He urged stakeholders to preserve the environment responsibly for future generations.
The event also featured goodwill messages from traditional rulers, professional bodies, and state agencies, alongside technical sessions where experts shared actionable strategies to strengthen waste management in Lagos.
