LAGOS STATE SECURES MOU TO DECOMMISSION DUMPSITES, OTHERS

The Lagos State Government says it has signed Memorandum of Understanding to decommission dumpsites across the state. With between 13,000 – 14,000 tonnes of waste generated in Lagos daily, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the goal is also to reduce landfill dependency on wastes. Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known while responding to questions on the Sunrise Morning Show on Channels Television, said true progress requires a culture of waste management. Wahab said while working with Private Sector Participants (PSP) for efficient waste collection, the state government also subsidizes refuse removal for the benefit of residents. He maintained that leadership demands tough decisions to protect the future of Lagos, such as staying focus on the implementation of the ban on Styrofoam products, despite what he described as the politicization of such actions. The Commissioner also said that despite the construction of 1,710 public toilets, some residents in Lagos State are still involved in open defecation. Tokunbo Wahab said through enforcement and collaboration with the Ogun State government, Lagos was making progress in efforts to change negative culture. Wahab equally clarifies the role of the Ministry in markets, which although fall under local government authorities, the Ministry of Environment oversee waste management. On water supply, he said Adiyan 1 and Iju waterworks are still functional despite their age, while the construction of Adiyan 2 is underway to increase capacity. He said that the Lagos State Government remained proactive, making bold moves to modernize infrastructure and sustain environmental reforms.