The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has withdrawn the operating licenses of six private waste collection companies due to inadequate capacity to provide effective services. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the decision on social media. This move comes amid a waste management crisis in Lagos, with uncollected refuse along major roads and in numerous areas. The affected companies are K-HS Integrated Services, Deshasat Enterprises, Bailas Nigeria Company, Guestimate Environmental Protection Company, Evabol Ventures, and Korad Closet Empire Limited.
The six companies provided services in various areas, including Igbogbo-Baiyeku, Olorunda, Ojo, Orile Agege, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and Ojodu. Their service areas included Ward C1, Slot A, Abosan, Ibereko (LIMCA), Sabo Oniba, Papa Ashafa II, Oluwa 1, and Oke-Ira/Powerline. According to Mr. Wahab, K-HS Integrated Services voluntarily withdrew from its service area, while the other five operators had their licenses terminated after an assessment of their operations.
The assessment found that the five companies lacked the capacity to continue providing waste collection services in their assigned areas. Mr. Wahab stated that the affected communities will continue to receive uninterrupted waste collection services through appropriate interventions. He urged residents in the affected areas to use approved waste collection channels.
This is not the first time LAWMA has taken action against private waste collectors. In May, the agency withdrew the licenses of five other PSP operators: Kenny JPS, Clean Craft Nigeria Limited, Doveroost Limited, Dewayls, and Pesjoy Ventures. The decision followed complaints about irregular waste collection in parts of Lagos. Some waste collection routes were also realigned.
The state government had directed LAWMA to meet with PSP operators after residents complained about poor collection, particularly in parts of Alimosho Local Government Area. LAWMA has been working on changes to the PSP scheme, including discussions with the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria on reforms to address operational problems and improve accountability.
LAWMA Managing Director Muyiwa Gbadegesin said the authority is reviewing the state's waste management system, including the structure of the PSP scheme and how operators are held accountable for their performance. The review aims to improve waste management in Lagos.
The withdrawal of licenses has raised concerns about the impact on waste collection services in the affected areas. However, LAWMA has assured residents that it will ensure uninterrupted services. The agency will work with other operators to provide services in the affected areas.
Key points
- LAWMA withdraws licenses of six private waste collectors due to inadequate capacity.
- The affected areas include Igbogbo-Baiyeku, Olorunda, Ojo, Orile Agege, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and Ojodu.
- LAWMA is reviewing the state's waste management system to improve accountability and performance.
