LAWMA CEO urges behavioral, environmental sustainability at Babcock University event
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called for stronger legislative frameworks and behavioral change to advance “green justice” and environmental sustainability.
He made the appeal during a panel discussion at an event titled “Sustaining the Planet, Upholding the Law: Green Justice in Action”, held at the Babcock University Law Campus in Iperu, Ogun State.
The event convened distinguished sustainability advocates, including Gbadegesin, who emphasized the economic potential of waste materials. He highlighted the importance of diverting waste from landfills for recycling purposes to mitigate environmental hazards.
Notably, he revealed LAWMA’s plan to replace the Epe landfill with a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy plant. The facility, capable of processing 2,500 tons of waste daily, is projected to generate 60 to 80 megawatts of electricity.
Gbadegesin underscored the critical role of legislation in achieving sustainable environmental goals. He referenced LAWMA’s recent prosecution of 50 individuals for reckless waste dumping as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws.
According to him, integrating waste management practices with legal frameworks has enabled LAWMA to strengthen its legal unit and improve public communication strategies.
“The greatest challenge to sustainability lies in human behavior. Whether it stems from a lack of knowledge or deeply ingrained attitudes towards waste management, we must continue to educate and enforce compliance to achieve our environmental goals,” Gbadegesin stated.
He outlined LAWMA’s multi-faceted approach, which includes public education, enforcement, and community engagement. This strategy encourages households to own waste bins, separate waste at the source, and adopt reusable bags.
He further spotlighted the role of LAWMA Academy in educating students across primary and secondary schools through interactive outreach programs on sustainable waste management.
Other panelists echoed Gbadegesin’s sentiments. Kehinde Fadare, KPMG’s Sustainable Development Advisor, stressed the need for behavioral change, stating that a mindset shift is essential to overcoming cost-related challenges and facilitating sustainability initiatives.
He advocated for stronger public-private partnerships to leverage mutual strengths in achieving sustainability goals.
Similarly, Modupeoluwa Williams, a Sustainability Consultant at Forvis Mazars, identified shifting cultural behaviors around consumption as a significant challenge.
She highlighted the environmental impact of transitioning from reusable bottles to single-use plastics and urged the adoption of best practices, including reducing, substituting, recycling, and ensuring safe disposal of waste.
The panel also expanded on the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” concept by proposing a fourth principle: “Refuse.” They encouraged individuals to reject items that contribute to environmental degradation, thereby reducing waste at its source.
Key attendees at the event included Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, LAWMA’s Head of Public Affairs, and Mrs. Bukola Adeyemo, Head of LAWMA’s Legal Unit.
The program concluded with a call to action for enhanced legislative support, public awareness, and collaborative efforts to build a sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
