Global collaboration on urban sustainability took center stage as students and faculty members from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) engaged with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on its strategies for environmental sustainability and waste management solutions.
Led by Prof. Lynn Schler, Head of the African Studies Department at Ben-Gurion University, the delegation was received by LAWMA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who provided insights into the agency’s pivotal role in keeping Lagos clean while promoting sustainable waste management.
Dr. Gbadegesin highlighted LAWMA’s evolution since its establishment in 1977, explaining that the agency’s work aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly in health and environmental sustainability. Addressing the challenge of climate-induced migration, he emphasized efforts to integrate thousands of scavengers into structured waste collection through the ‘Last Man Collector’ initiative.
“At the Olusosun dumpsite alone, we have about 3,000 scavengers. We’ve already enumerated over 5,000 and are working on better structuring their roles in the waste management ecosystem,” he explained.
He also announced LAWMA’s upcoming upcycling center in Otto, one of Lagos’ oldest communities, aimed at training youths in recycling and waste transformation, shifting the focus from mere waste disposal to innovative sustainability solutions.
Prof. Schler commended LAWMA’s progressive waste management initiatives, describing the visit as one of the most valuable parts of their study tour. “If this were our only activity on this trip, it would have been worth it. LAWMA’s leadership and strategies are truly inspiring,” she remarked.
Ben-Gurion University student, Shira Lahav, shared her excitement about the program, emphasizing the significance of international partnerships. “This experience exceeded my expectations. Learning about Lagos’ waste management approach has been incredibly insightful,” she said.
UNILAG student, Femi Anjola Elizabeth, admitted that her understanding of waste collection in Lagos had significantly deepened. “I always saw PSP operators in my neighborhood, but today, I’ve gained a new appreciation of how the system truly works,” she noted.
The interactive session saw students engage Dr. Gbadegesin with critical questions on LAWMA’s operations, shedding light on the complexities and solutions driving waste management in one of Africa’s largest megacities.
