In a decisive move to reinforce environmental sustainability and improve sanitation standards across the local government, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, convened a high-level strategic engagement with representatives of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.
The meeting, held at the Council Secretariat, focused on addressing operational gaps in waste evacuation, strengthening collaboration, and developing long-term, sustainable solutions to meet the growing sanitation demands of Badagry and its adjoining communities.
Strengthening Operational Capacity for a Growing Population
In his address, Hon. Hunpe emphasized that environmental sanitation remains a cornerstone of public health, urban development, and economic growth. He stressed the importance of regular stakeholder consultations to evaluate performance, resolve logistical constraints, and ensure adequate and timely waste evacuation across residential and commercial zones.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to a cleaner Badagry, the Chairman highlighted proactive interventions already undertaken by the Council. These include the procurement and deployment of five waste-carrier tricycles to enhance last-mile waste collection and the recruitment of environmental waste enforcement officers to support monitoring and compliance efforts.
However, he noted that despite these interventions, the number of compactor trucks available for large-scale evacuation remains grossly insufficient when measured against the expanding population and increasing waste generation across the Badagry Federal Constituency.
The Chairman further observed that since 2005, only three PSP operators – Amuleya, Miladex, and Laibola Links – have been allocated to serve the entire Badagry Federal Constituency, comprising Badagry Local Government, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, and Badagry West Local Council Development Area.
He described this allocation as outdated and misaligned with present realities.
“We must work together to ensure timely and adequate waste evacuation. While our waste-carrier tricycles and enforcement officers complement LAWMA’s efforts, the number of compactor trucks remains insufficient. The allocation of only three PSP operators since 2005 must be reviewed to reflect population growth and increased waste generation,” the Chairman stated.
Legislative and Executive Synergy for Environmental Reform
Speaking at the engagement, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, who also serves as Chairman of the Committee on Environment, outlined critical sanitation concerns requiring urgent attention. These include drainage desilting, evacuation of accumulated debris, improved market sanitation, faster complaint response mechanisms, and the sustenance of environmental hygiene standards.
He emphasized that efficient waste collection is central to the success of the administration’s Keep Badagry Clean Initiative, noting that environmental reform must be deliberate, structured, and consistently enforced.
Also contributing, Hon. Oladapo Ibrahim Gidado, Councillor representing Ward D and Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Environment, underscored the importance of legislative oversight and strengthened enforcement frameworks. He stressed that community participation and accountability mechanisms are indispensable in achieving lasting environmental transformation.
Addressing Service Consistency and Compliance
The Council Manager, Mrs. Olusanya Mary Abosede, raised concerns regarding irregular waste collection schedules, noting that inconsistent service delivery has negatively impacted household registration and revenue compliance. She explained that predictable and reliable evacuation services would significantly improve residents’ willingness to pay for waste management services.
Responding, the Head of Operations (PSP), LAWMA, Mr. Sulaimon, commended the Chairman’s proactive measures, particularly the deployment of waste-carrier tricycles. He acknowledged the need for a comprehensive operational review of PSP activities in light of rapid urban expansion and increased commercial activity within the constituency.
He further proposed the establishment of communal waste collection and recycling centres to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, while also promoting waste sorting and resource recovery initiatives.
Similarly, the Director of LGAs & LCDAs Integrated Waste Management Services, Mr. Oluwakemi Jelili, emphasized the need for strategic coordination, data-driven planning, and strengthened monitoring frameworks. He assured the Council of LAWMA’s commitment to reviewing operational structures and enhancing collaboration to deliver cleaner and healthier communities.
A Coordinated Path Toward Sustainable Waste Management
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment among all stakeholders to adopt a coordinated, strategic, and sustainable approach to waste management. Discussions underscored the urgency of increasing PSP operator allocation, expanding compactor truck capacity, strengthening enforcement, and improving service consistency.
Under the leadership of Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Badagry Local Government continues to pursue bold, solution-driven policies aimed at safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
With sustained collaboration between the Council, LAWMA, PSP operators, and community stakeholders, the vision of a cleaner, healthier, and better-managed Badagry is steadily becoming a practical and achievable reality.
