Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA): Functions, Team, Units & Academy

Here is all about Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

Are you aware that in 1977 the world press tagged Lagos as one of the dirtiest capital cities in the world? Do you know the factors that led to the classification of Lagos as a dirty city?

Well, if you don’t know, then we are taking you back through history to find out.

Back in the early 70s in Lagos, Nigeria when the country was enjoying the reigns of the oil boom, and with it came industries and springing up of some urban centers.

But, a major disadvantage was the looming and increasing high volume of waste. It proved a difficult task for the local councils in Lagos to maintain and manage the menace.

Because of this Lagos was tagged a dirty capital city by the press; following the hosting of FESTAC “77. It was bad publicity for the city and country’s image globally.

To put the negative classification behind and find a lasting solution, the state founded the first-ever waste management firm within the West African sub-region in 1977.

You now know the events and factors that led to the christening of Lagos as one of the dirtiest capital cities in the world. We are going to provide you with details of how the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) evolved.

How The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Evolved

The business of waste management and control started in Lagos State with the creation of the Lagos State Refuse Disposal Board (LSRDB) in April 1977. It came into being through Edict 9 of 1977.

It was founded as a response to the need to manage the high volume of waste within Lagos.

Four years later in 1981, it was renamed the Lagos State Waste Disposal Board (LSWDB), to accommodate the new set of responsibilities added to the body.

They include; industrial/commercial waste collection and disposal, drain clearing, and disposal of derelict/scrapped vehicles.

Consequently, in December 1991, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was born through Edict 55.

Its areas of responsibility were reviewed and the new ones were added to include; collection and disposal of municipal and industrial waste, and also provide commercial waste services to both the State and Local Government Councils.

In 2007, the name changed to Lagos Waste Management Authority through LAWMA Law no. 5 cap.27, vol. 40 of 2007. Through this, the agency was restructured to function as a full regulator within the waste management sector in the state.

This view further supports the Cleaner Lagos Initiative.

And under this, public waste operations, domestic waste operations, waste management, landfill operations, and transfer loading stations have been handed over to private firms.

Meanwhile, LAWMA will play the role of guiding, modeling, and appraising these private firms in line with global best practices.

Main Functions/Responsibilities of LAWMA

The primary functions and responsibilities of the agency include:

• Prudent solid waste management in Lagos State
• Collection of solid waste
• Transportation of solid waste
• Treatment of solid waste
• Offering waste disposal Services to all housing, business, and commercial facilities in the entire state

Core Values

To carry out these functions in the most effective manner, the agency is guided by set a of core values such as:

• Professionalism
• Efficiency
• Integrity

These values enable the agency to perform its duties in a professional, efficient and honest way to the people of Lagos State.

Mission

The mission statement of the agency captures in brief the way and manner in which it intends to provide effective service delivery to customers.

The mission statement is as follows: We are committed to promoting customer-focused service by supporting indigenous innovations for sustainable waste management through regional integration and global partnerships.

Vision

The Lagos Waste Management Authority’s vision is to: develop and implement sustainable public health standards through best practices in waste management partnerships.

Meet The Team

The affairs and daily operations of the agency are run by the following individuals:

• Ibrahim Odumboni: Managing Director/CEO
• Olorunwa Tijani: AGM, Technical
• Taoreed Dosunmu: AGM, Admin & HR
• R.B Adeniran: Head, Procurement
• Abisola Dina: Financial Controller
• Oluwakemi Sulaiman: AGM, Special Duties
• Essien Nsuabia: AGM, Waste Management Development
• Abimbola AJayi: AGM Engineering
• Wale Adesina: AGM, Performance Management
• Hakeem Akinleye: Head, Public Affairs
• Olaniyan Oluwatosin: Head, ICT
• Babatunde Lydia Oladunni: Head, Budget, and Planning
• Rilwan Uthman: Head, Legal Services
• Sunday Osekita: Head, Internal Audit
• Oluwakemi Alao: AD, Lekki Free Trade Zone
• Shitta Abiodun Olayinka: Prin. Accountant, Revenue Controller
• Akinwale Adesina: AGM, West
• Tawa Oyekanmi: AGM, Central
• Lolade Adewunmi: Ag, AGM East
• Taiwo Akinyosoye: SNR. Admin And Change Manager

LAWMA Departments And Units

For effective work and service delivery, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is divided into different units and departments.

This ensures the free flow of work and division of labor. They include:

• Admin And Human Resources Unit

This unit handles the general administration of the agency; and the coordination of the staff.

• Procurement Unit

This department oversees projects and contracts; ensuring that the right procedures are followed.

• Engineering Unit

This unit ensures the safety and quality of works and projects.

• Account

This department ensures proper and adequate bookkeeping and clean records.

• Information and Communication Technology Unit

This unit is responsible for the daily activities of the agency’s ICT center.

• Legal Unit

This department is saddled with the responsibility of protecting the image of the agency in the face of any dispute.

Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Academy

Besides, the agency’s main responsibility of waste collection and management, it is also interested in the enlightenment and education of the public on waste management.

That why is the LAWMA Academy was founded to educate people about corporate and personal development and how to be socially responsible.

The Academy offers many programs and services intending to improve waste literacy and promote good waste management practices.

The programs include:

• Internship

It is specially designed to coach young and bright minds from various backgrounds like environmental sciences, accounting, architecture, and engineering among others.

• Special Training

This program target areas in waste management such as resource recovery and waste management, smarter solutions for segregation and logistics, and waste recycling among others.

• Organizational Training

This program covers all areas of the labor market.

• Summer School

This program targets students between the ages of 8 and 18.