The Lagos State Government has announced plans to acquire 100 new CNG-powered compactor trucks in 2026 as part of efforts to improve waste management across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that the state currently generates over 13,000 tons of waste daily, posing a major challenge that the government says it is determined to tackle through fresh reforms and long-term investments.
Speaking at an interactive session, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, revealed that the new trucks will form part of a 10-year development plan designed to overhaul the state’s waste disposal system.
He added that LAWMA will also procure 500 compactor tricycles to address logistics gaps, particularly in hard-to-reach communities with narrow and inaccessible roads.
According to him, the government plans to introduce 200 to 250 new trucks yearly, noting that Lagos needs 2,000 compactor trucks—1,000 for daily operations and 1,000 as backups—to maintain a clean city.
Gbadegesin disclosed that the agency will also introduce reforms aimed at improving transparency. A new automated, statewide billing system will enable households to receive waste bills directly from the government, while verified PSP operators will be paid after confirmation of service delivery
He explained that the move is based on the belief that Lagos residents are willing to pay for waste services if they receive proper value, and LAWMA intends to ensure such value going forward.
As part of its internal reforms, LAWMA has terminated the contracts of 22 underperforming PSP operators this year and reassigned their slots to companies ready to work efficiently.
The MD highlighted the success of the “Ibeju Lekki model” using compactor tricycles, developed through collaboration between the Local Government and a private entrepreneur. He said the model has been widely accepted and will now be replicated across other LGAs.
He noted that the tricycle compactors will also allow cart pushers to be integrated into the formal system, offering them engagement opportunities under PSP operators for better efficiency.
Gbadegesin urged residents to stop dumping refuse on roads and in canals, warning that violators will face prosecution under the state’s sanitation laws.
He emphasised the need for waste sorting, explaining that 90 per cent of waste has value and can support recycling and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
The LAWMA boss revealed that the state is already working toward the closure of landfill sites. He said the government has begun the decommissioning of Olusosun and Soluos 3 landfills, a process expected to be completed within 18 months.
Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to building a cleaner, healthier Lagos and called on residents to cooperate fully with the new waste management strategies.
