The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has disclosed that new material recovery facilities being developed by the Lagos State Government are expected to create about 5,000 jobs.

Gbadegesin made the announcement on Saturday while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Apapa, stating that the facilities would provide more structured and safer employment opportunities for individuals involved in waste collection and recycling activities.

According to him, the initiative forms part of the state’s broader strategy to modernise waste management operations, improve recycling efforts and reduce dependence on conventional landfill sites.

He explained that many individuals currently engaged in informal waste-picking activities would be integrated into a cleaner and more organised system, with opportunities to earn improved incomes.

The LAWMA boss revealed that the state is gradually phasing out operations at the Olusosun and Solous landfill sites. He added that waste management company zoomlionnigeria.com has begun constructing transfer loading stations at the locations.

Gbadegesin said the new arrangement would allow Private Sector Participants (PSPs) to dispose of waste at transfer stations rather than directly at landfill sites. Waste collected at the stations would subsequently be transported to material recovery facilities where recyclable materials and other valuable resources would be sorted and processed.

He further stated that the landfill sites would eventually be shut down, covered, and repurposed for alternative uses once the transition is completed.

Addressing operational challenges during the rainy season, Gbadegesin noted that access roads within landfill sites often become difficult for trucks to navigate due to flooding and muddy conditions. To address this, he said the state government has initiated plans to replace the existing earth roads with rigid pavement to ensure year-round accessibility.

The LAWMA managing director also commended residents for showing increased commitment to environmental sanitation since the exercise was reintroduced. He noted that more people now clean their surroundings voluntarily before the arrival of enforcement officials.

He added that the agency would continue to combine public sensitisation with enforcement measures, including issuing notices to residents who fail to maintain clean premises and surroundings.

The monthly sanitation exercise is part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to improve environmental cleanliness and promote sustainable waste management practices across the state.