LAWMA BEGINS PARTICIPATORY PROCESS TO REFORM PSP SECTOR
Set to Co-create Roadmap for a Sustainable, Accountable and High-Performing Waste Collection System.The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced a strategic stakeholder engagement with the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) to co-create a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at building a more sustainable, accountable and high-performing Private Sector Participation (PSP) sector capable of delivering efficient waste collection services across Lagos State.
The engagement marked the beginning of a participatory reform process through which LAWMA and PSP operators would jointly examine existing operational challenges, develop practical solutions and produce a comprehensive roadmap for repositioning the sector to meet the growing waste management needs of Africa’s largest city.
Held recently at LAWMA Headquarters,Ijora-Olopa, under the theme, “Building a Sustainable, Accountable and High-Performance PSP Sector for a Cleaner Lagos,” the meeting brought together the leadership of LAWMA and executives of AWAMN to review the current state of waste collection services, identify operational constraints and initiate discussions on reforms that would strengthen efficiency, accountability and long-term sustainability across the sector.
Speaking at the meeting, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to working collaboratively with PSP operators to build a modern, resilient and citizen-focused waste management system capable of meeting the expectations of a rapidly growing megacity.
He explained that the engagement marked the commencement of a collaborative reform process designed to ensure that the eventual reform programme reflected operational realities and the perspectives of key stakeholders to enjoy broad ownership across the sector.
“Our objective is to build a waste management system that is efficient, transparent, financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of Lagos residents. We recognise the critical role played by PSP operators and believe that meaningful reforms can only be achieved through continuous engagement, shared responsibility and collective commitment,” he said.
To guide the ongoing reform process, the meeting identified several priority areas to be developed, through the consultative process, into a comprehensive reform programme aimed at strengthening the efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness of the PSP sector.
These thematic areas include performance-based regulation, route rationalisation, financial sustainability, improved payment compliance, fleet renewal, as well as technology-driven service monitoring and enhanced enforcement against illegal waste operators, while other focus of the reform are improved landfill operations, recycling and resource recovery, customer service standards and stronger institutional governance.
To advance the process, the meeting resolved to establish joint technical working groups comprising representatives of LAWMA and AWAMN to refine the proposals, define data requirements, develop implementation options and submit recommendations that would form the basis of the final reform agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the PSP operators, the President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), Dr. Olugbenga Adebola welcomed the initiative and described the engagement as a significant opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the regulator and operators while pledging the association’s full cooperation throughout the consultation process, and expressing confidence that the participatory approach would produce practical and sustainable reforms capable of improving service delivery and supporting the long-term growth of the sector.
LAWMA reaffirmed that the stakeholder engagement aligned with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to build a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Lagos through stronger public-private collaboration, institutional reforms and continuous improvement in waste management operations.
Mukaila Sanusi
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA)
8th August 2026
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