Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has called for greater emphasis on “green justice” and environmental sustainability at a recent event held at Babcock University Law Campus, Iperu. Themed “Sustaining the Planet, Upholding the Law: Green Justice in Action,” the program brought together leading sustainability advocates to discuss innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Advancing Green Initiatives in Lagos
During the panel discussion, Dr. Gbadegesin highlighted LAWMA’s strategic efforts to reduce waste-related environmental hazards by maximizing the economic potential of recyclable materials. He revealed plans to replace the landfill in Epe with a cutting-edge waste-to-energy plant. The facility is designed to process 2,500 tons of waste daily and generate 60 to 80 megawatts of electricity.
Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized the critical role of legislation in achieving sustainability goals, pointing to LAWMA’s recent enforcement actions, including the arraignment of 50 individuals for illegal waste dumping. He advocated for harmonizing legal frameworks with waste management practices to create effective partnerships, underlining the importance of strong legislation backed by consistent enforcement.
The Human Factor in Sustainability
“The greatest challenge to sustainability lies in human behavior,” Dr. Gbadegesin noted, stressing the importance of public education and behavioral change. LAWMA’s initiatives include encouraging households to adopt waste separation practices, use reusable bags, and ensure proper waste disposal.
The LAWMA Academy, he added, plays a pivotal role in fostering awareness by educating students in primary and secondary schools through interactive learning sessions on sustainable waste management.
Collaboration and Behavioral Change
Other panelists also underscored the importance of collaboration and mindset shifts in addressing sustainability challenges. Kehinde Fadare, Sustainable Development Advisor at KPMG, emphasized the need for stronger public-private partnerships to drive impactful change. He highlighted the importance of reframing waste management from a cost perspective to one of value creation.
Modupeoluwa Williams, Sustainability Consultant at Forvis Mazars, identified cultural attitudes toward consumption and waste disposal as significant hurdles. She called for a focus on shifting societal behaviors to promote sustainable practices.
The Path Forward
The event provided actionable insights into achieving green justice, emphasizing the need for education, collaboration, and enforcement. With initiatives like the waste-to-energy plant and educational outreach, LAWMA is positioning Lagos as a leader in sustainable waste management.
