The Lagos State Government is planning to deploy Waste Marshals across strategic locations in the state to strengthen community-level monitoring and curb indiscriminate waste disposal.
The initiative was proposed during a meeting between the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, and officials of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The proposal was re-echoed on Tuesday during the presentation of Gbadegesin’s portrait by the Head of NAN’s Lagos Office, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole.
The initiative followed concerns over indiscriminate dumping by residents and the activities of scavengers who allegedly dispose of waste on roads, bridges, drainage channels and other public infrastructure.
The proposed Waste Marshals are expected to complement existing environmental enforcement agencies by monitoring designated locations, reporting violations and discouraging improper waste disposal.
Omowole said community-based monitoring was necessary because government agencies could not be present everywhere at the same time.
“There’s no more time than this because you can’t be everywhere,” she said.
She urged LAWMA to deploy the marshals to strategic locations across Lagos, describing them as community-based environmental ambassadors who could identify offenders and promote responsible waste disposal.
Omowole also recalled an incident in which some people were allegedly seen removing materials around a bridge, warning that such activities could damage critical infrastructure.
“Sometimes I see myself telling people on my street or in my community, why are you dropping this here?” she said.
She commended LAWMA’s efforts in managing waste across the state and called for sustained collaboration between the authority and the media to increase public awareness of environmental programs.
Responding, Gbadegesin welcomed the proposal, saying the initiative was already among the measures being considered by the authority.
He said LAWMA could develop the program quickly, with a possible launch before the end of August, subject to necessary planning and arrangements.
The LAWMA boss also stressed the importance of media involvement in creating awareness and giving the initiative wider visibility.
He urged Lagos residents to become ambassadors of environmental cleanliness by speaking up against irresponsible waste disposal within their communities.
Gbadegesin said environmental responsibility should not be left solely to government agencies, noting that residents had an important role to play in keeping their communities clean.
He added that greater community participation would strengthen enforcement, promote environmental ownership and complement the activities of existing sanitation agencies.
The meeting also reaffirmed the partnership between LAWMA and NAN in promoting public awareness on waste management and environmental sustainability.
Gbadegesin appreciated NAN’s continued support and use of its news services, stressing that effective communication was essential to reaching residents with environmental messages.
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The stakeholders agreed that enforcement alone could not permanently address indiscriminate waste disposal, advocating a combination of public education, community participation, effective enforcement and efficient waste collection.
The proposed Waste Marshals initiative comes amid intensified enforcement by LAWMA and other environmental agencies against indiscriminate dumping, scavenging and other environmental violations across Lagos.
LAWMA has recently reported arrests and convictions of environmental offenders in different parts of the state, reinforcing its focus on enforcement alongside public enlightenment and community participation.
