Lagos State’s trash is more than just a nuisance, it’s a $2.5 billion resource, according to Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
He said 90 percent of the waste generated by Lagos residents can be recycled or repurposed, offering a huge untapped economic opportunity.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Dr. Gbadegesin highlighted the “waste‑to‑wealth” potential in what most people throw away.
He urged Lagosians to sort their trash at home and make recyclables available to licensed recyclers, saying proper participation could generate jobs and revenue for the city.
As part of its plan to reduce environmental impact and increase the value of waste, LAWMA will begin decommissioning the Olusosun and Soluos 3 landfills over the next 18 months.
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The authority also plans to recruit hundreds of environmental health officers from January 2026 to strengthen enforcement of sanitation laws across the state.
Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized that creating a circular economy where waste is reused, recycled, or reintroduced into production, is key to turning Lagos’ trash into cash.
Residents are also reminded to avoid illegal dumping along roads and waterways and to patronize licensed waste operators.