In commemoration of World Environment Day 2025, the Lagos State Waste Management Office (LSWMO) led a high-impact environmental awareness campaign and community action drive, reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Lagos.
The celebration, which took place on Wednesday, June 5, across various parts of the state, featured a series of events including public sanitation exercises, stakeholder engagements, and educational outreach programs aimed at sensitizing Lagosians on the dangers of plastic pollution and the urgent need for responsible waste management.
Speaking at the flagship event held at Alausa, Ikeja, the Director of LSWMO noted that this year’s theme, “Our Land, Our Future: Beat Plastic Pollution”, aligns with global efforts to combat the environmental crisis triggered by indiscriminate plastic disposal. She emphasized that Lagos, being a coastal megacity with one of the highest waste generation rates in Nigeria, must take proactive steps in preserving its ecosystem.
“Our actions today will determine the kind of environment future generations inherit. We must move from awareness to action by embracing recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and supporting government policies on waste reduction,” she stated.
The event also featured partnerships with local environmental NGOs, private sector waste managers, and school environmental clubs, who joined hands with government officials in a symbolic coastal cleanup exercise. Participants removed tons of plastic waste from drainage channels and waterways, showcasing what collective responsibility can achieve.
LSWMO used the platform to unveil new community-based waste separation initiatives, encouraging households and businesses to sort waste at source for easier recycling and disposal. According to the agency, these pilot projects will roll out in select local government areas before the end of the year.
Several dignitaries present, including representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and international development partners, commended LSWMO for driving environmental consciousness at the grassroots.
Environmental experts at the event called for stiffer regulations on plastic production and improved incentives for recycling startups. They warned that without urgent intervention, Lagos could face worsening flooding, soil degradation, and marine pollution.
As the 2025 World Environment Day wraps up, the message from Lagos is clear: sustainability is not a choice but a necessity. The LSWMO reaffirmed its resolve to keep championing innovative and inclusive strategies that not only protect the environment but also empower communities.
With continued collaboration and citizen participation, Lagos aims to lead the charge in building an eco-friendly Nigeria, one cleanup at a time.
