Private sector participants in waste management in Lagos State have attributed the success of the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation to patriotism, collaboration and shared responsibility among stakeholders.

Olugbenga Adebola, the national president of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos.

Mr Olugbenga said that contrary to widespread concerns, the exercise recorded orderly waste collection and active participation across Lagos.

He said many residents had anticipated disruptions, particularly in waste evacuation logistics, but noted that PSP operators were fully mobilised and carried out their duties efficiently.

“The success of the exercise can be traced to patriotism and a collective resolve by all stakeholders to support the initiative.

“When the sanitation exercise was announced for April 25, we welcomed it as a development that would encourage Lagosians to take ownership of their environment.

“Our members also intensified sensitisation efforts, engaging residents because we serve as a bridge between government policy and the public,” he said.

According to him, operators worked within their designated areas to ensure effective waste collection, despite the state’s existing operational model.

He noted that waste management in Lagos is guided by the polluter-pay principle, where residents bear the cost of waste evacuation, stressing that the service is not entirely social.

“Notwithstanding this, we chose to support the exercise in the interest of public health and environmental sustainability,” he said.

He commended the Lagos government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Ministry of the Environment and the Lagos Waste Management Authority, for supporting the operators.

He, however, acknowledged that some PSP operators expressed concerns over the high cost of operations, especially diesel, but said they were encouraged to participate in the exercise.

He also noted that interventions at dump sites by the Ministry of Environment and LAWMA contributed to the success recorded.

The PSP leader identified unresolved issues around cost recovery and funding, particularly the burden of fueling trucks during the exercise.

“These are issues we will continue to engage the ministry and LAWMA to ensure sustainability and efficiency going forward,” he said.

He added that stakeholders would conduct a post-exercise review to assess performance and address identified gaps.

The AWAMN president also commended Lagos residents, community development associations, community development committees, the media and local government authorities for their active participation and sensitisation efforts.

He expressed optimism that with improved collaboration and resolution of operational challenges, future sanitation exercises would yield better outcomes. 

(NAN)