The Lagos State Government has called on all Local Governments (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to effectively address environmental challenges and promote a cleaner, flood-free, and sustainable Lagos.

The call was made on Wednesday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during a strategic meeting held at Alausa, Ikeja, with the 57 Council Chairmen.

Wahab emphasized the need for every resident to adopt proper sanitation habits as part of their daily lifestyle. He noted that the state is transitioning from a “linear waste system” — where waste is simply collected and dumped — to a circular model where waste is treated as a resource.

“All LGAs and LCDAs must key into the state’s vision and work together to reduce the volume of waste that ends up in landfills,” Wahab said.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government is set to decommission the Olusosun and Solous III landfills, which have outlived their lifespan, while maintaining operations at other functional sites, including the Epe landfill.

He tasked council chairmen to intensify public enlightenment on the dangers of improper waste disposal, such as dumping refuse in open spaces, roads, medians, and drainage channels. Wahab assured that the state continues to support Private Sector Participants (PSPs) in waste collection, with LAWMA providing interventions when necessary.

On flood management, Wahab urged the LGAs and LCDAs to work closely with the state government to find lasting solutions to flash flooding. He revealed that the government is investing in resilient infrastructure to tackle flooding, urging local councils to replicate such efforts at their levels.

The commissioner also encouraged council chairmen to liaise with resident engineers assigned to their areas for prompt reporting and resolution of flood-related issues.

Reiterating that the ban on street trading remains in force, Wahab charged the chairmen to enforce compliance within their jurisdictions, warning that failure to uphold state laws could undermine governance.

Responding, the Chairman of Conference 57 and Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Sesan Olowa, commended the state government for the engagement. He said council chairmen are already implementing measures to promote environmental cleanliness and sustainability through improved waste management.

Olowa revealed that several councils have procured tricycles to facilitate house-to-house waste collection, particularly in inner streets, to discourage residents from dumping refuse on roads and medians.

He also appealed to the commissioner to support the establishment of mini Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) across LGAs and LCDAs to enhance waste evacuation and disposal within communities.