Lagos State to Introduce Smart Bins to Enhance Waste Management and Community Cleanliness

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving sanitation and environmental cleanliness, the Lagos State Government is considering the introduction of smart waste bins for every tenement in the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, made this announcement during a recent weekly sanitation awareness and cleaning exercise held at Ajeromi Local Government. Akodu, accompanied by Permanent Secretary of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji, and Permanent Secretary of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, emphasized that indiscriminate waste disposal remains a significant challenge contributing to the prevalence of communicable diseases.

Akodu stressed that the introduction of smart bins will help monitor the activities of Private Sector Participants (PSP) and track waste disposal rates among Lagosians. He urged residents and market leaders to prioritize environmental cleanliness in their daily activities.

The Special Adviser acknowledged the unfortunate cholera outbreak in Lagos, attributing it to unsanitary habits. He reiterated that the weekly sanitation exercises aim to shift mindsets and foster a culture of cleanliness. Despite these efforts, Akodu noted the presence of refuse on roads, medians, and markets, highlighting a recent discovery of a baby’s corpse during the exercise as a stark reminder of the need for improved sanitation practices.

Akodu also revealed that there is strong community support for the return of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise, with many residents and market leaders advocating for its reinstatement. He encouraged community and market leaders to educate residents on the dangers of improper waste disposal.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, Managing Director, announced that the State Government will soon roll out smart bins equipped with notification chips to ensure timely waste collection by PSP operators. He emphasized that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility.

Community leaders, including the Baale, Babaloja of Ajeromi Ifelodun, and CDC Chairman, have urged the State Government to reintroduce the monthly sanitation exercise. They also suggested increasing the number of LAWMA policemen to enforce cleanliness in neighborhoods.

The inspection team, led by the Special Adviser and accompanied by various officials, visited several locations including Mobil Road/Apapa/Ajeromi/Ajegunle boundary and Alayabiagba market.