L-R: Temitope Agbotoba, Associate Consultant at CSR-in-Action, Engr. Mayowa Elefin, Regional Manager at Deloitte, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, Chief Executive Officer at LAWMA, Chinonso Vincent, Head of Business Development at CSR-in-Action, and Bolaji Sanyaolu, Chief Operating Officer at CSR-in-Action.
On October 17, 2024, CSR-in-Action, joined other stakeholders at the Lagos Waste Management Authority’s (LAWMA) forum on sustainable waste management. Anchored by Folashade Kadiri, LAWMA’s Head of Public Affairs, the forum brought together representatives from government, private sector entities, civil society organisations, and non-governmental organisations.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, LAWMA’s Executive Director, highlighting the collaborative spirit LAWMA seeks to foster in achieving sustainable waste management in Lagos. LAWMA CEO Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin delivered the keynote address, detailing the authority’s multi-pronged approach to transforming waste management practices in Lagos. Notably, he shared LAWMA’s objective to raise Lagos’ recycling rate from 8% to 25% within the next three years. Dr. Gbadegeshin emphasised that every household must use LAWMA-approved bins and reiterated that waste should not be left on the streets due to lapses in collection by PSP operators.
A focal point of Dr. Gbadegeshin’s address was LAWMA’s push for CNG-powered waste collection trucks capable of operating on biogas, underscoring LAWMA’s commitment to sustainable energy use. Additionally, he introduced smart bins equipped with RFID tracking, allowing LAWMA to monitor bin usage and ensure efficient disposal.
Mrs. Adedoyin Oyefusi, LAWMA’s Head of Marketing, further elaborated on the design and functionality of these smart bins. Constructed from high-density polyethylene and fortified with tempered steel for durability, each bin features a QR code that connects users to LAWMA’s platform, enabling prompt issue reporting. This innovative bin system aims to support more sustainable waste segregation and streamline recycling processes.
During the interactive session, Chinonso Vincent, representing CSR-in-Action, voiced the need for an actionable framework for private sector involvement. He highlighted the importance of delineating specific roles, cost implications, and the potential ESG benefits that such initiatives could offer companies in their sustainability reports. This approach, he noted, would provide a clear pathway for private entities to contribute through CSR initiatives, enhancing overall waste management in Lagos. Dr. Gbadegeshin expressed eagerness to further explore partnership opportunities with CSR-in-Action in line with these objectives.
The forum concluded with closing remarks from the president of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, emphasising the significance of collective action toward a sustainable and cleaner Lagos. Through ongoing partnerships, CSR-in-Action aims to support LAWMA’s strategic waste management goals, enabling private sector players to meaningfully contribute to Lagos’s environmental sustainability journey.