As Muslim faithful across Lagos prepare to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a public appeal for proper waste handling, urging residents to adopt responsible environmental practices before, during, and after the festivities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized the importance of maintaining environmental hygiene during the festive season, particularly in light of the expected surge in waste volumes. He assured that comprehensive waste evacuation measures have been activated across all parts of the metropolis to accommodate the anticipated increase.
“Eid-el-Kabir is a period of celebration, family bonding, and spiritual reflection,” Gbadegesin noted. “As we celebrate, we must not forget our civic obligations to the environment. Proper disposal of animal remains, food waste, and packaging materials is essential to safeguarding public health and preserving our shared spaces.”
He stated that LAWMA personnel and enforcement officers would be stationed across Lagos to monitor waste management operations, ensure timely evacuation, and enforce compliance with sanitation standards. He specifically cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians, in drainage channels, and in open spaces, warning that violators would face sanctions in line with existing environmental regulations.
Gbadegesin also advised butchers and livestock sellers to make use of approved abattoirs and slaughter facilities across the state to minimise environmental contamination and promote hygienic processing, in keeping with public health protocols.
While extending his best wishes for a peaceful and joyous celebration to the Muslim community, the LAWMA boss reiterated the agency’s year-round dedication to keeping Lagos clean and livable. He encouraged residents to properly bag their refuse, containerize waste, and ensure prompt handover to assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for collection.
In a related development, LAWMA joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 World Environment Day, marked annually on June 5. This year’s theme, “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution,” aligns closely with the agency’s broader mission to combat plastic waste and create a healthier Lagos through sustained environmental reforms.
Dr. Gbadegesin described plastic pollution as a major threat to the ecosystem and public health, underscoring the need for continuous community involvement in waste reduction efforts. He stressed that environmental sustainability is not a one-off event, but a process driven by individual responsibility and collective action.
According to him, LAWMA has rolled out advocacy campaigns and clean-up activities in collaboration with schools, NGOs, and grassroots organisations to build public consciousness around waste separation, recycling, and community-led sanitation. He called on religious institutions, market associations, and neighborhood groups to become environmental ambassadors by educating their members on practical steps toward waste minimization and ecological preservation.
Gbadegesin concluded by calling on all Lagosians to reflect on their environmental impact and commit to behavioural changes that will ensure a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for the state. He noted that building a resilient ecosystem required intentional action from both the government and the governed.
Residents are encouraged to report waste management issues or seek further assistance by reaching LAWMA through its dedicated contact lines: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, 617 or via email at info@lawma.gov.ng.
