Waste managers have called for a robust collaboration between the organised private sector and the government to tackle the challenges in the sector.
They made the call at the Awards and Gala Night organised by the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) to mark the end of their 2025 international conference on Friday in Lagos.
Freedomonline reports that the theme of the Gala Night was: “Celebrating Excellence in Integrated Waste Management in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, the National President of AWAMN, Mr Olugbenga Adebola, said that all hands must be on deck to transform waste management practices in the country.
Adebola expressed gratitude to the support and cooperation from the all the stakeholders and the Lagos State Government at the event.
“With your support and cooperation, our vision to transform waste management practices in Nigeria will be realised,” Adebola said.
Prof. Babatunde Alo, a consultant to the Lagos state Government on Climate Change, described the conference put together by AWAMN as a major milestone in the history of the association.
Alo attributed the success of the conference to the visionary leadership of AWAMN’s president and the robust synergy between the association and the Lagos State Government.
He also described Lagos as a leader and pacesetter in deepening robust waste management practice in the country.
He expressed optimism that solutions to tackle waste management challenges would flow from the conference.
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), said that waste management in the state entails partnership.
Gbadegesin said that waste management in the state is moving towards a period of change, challenges and immense opportunities that will bring profit and prosperity to Lagos people and the planet, earth.
He enjoined residents to embrace the policies of the present administration in the state with open hands.
“Together, we can achieve the future we desire,” Gbadegesin said.
Dr Ola Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for the Environment, said that everybody should be prepared for change to transform waste management practices in the country.
Oresanya said the government, as the regulator, should continually dialogue with the private sector operators in waste management to bring about inclusive and progressive policies.
He said that policy instruments guiding the sector should be inclusive and adaptable.
Freedomonline reports that the climax of the event was the presentation of various categories of awards to individuals and corporate organisations.
The Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, was awarded the Grand Matron of the association in recognition of her immense contribution to environmental sustainability.
Freedomonline also received the Best Environment Reportage Award Syndicate in recognition of the agency’s continuous contribution and special focus on waste and environmental sustainability.
