The State government, through he Lagos State Waste Management authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has partnered with the National Environmental Standards & Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to encourage proper handling and management of e-waste in the State.

Speaking at the tripartite meeting held in Ikeja, the Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, stated that 30 pick up locations have been identified for the smooth kick-off of the scheme amid strict observation and compliance with safety guidelines in line with global best practices.

“The scheme is leveraging on the established foundation of LAWMA, which is recognised even beyond the shores of Nigeria. The State would provide a conducive environment, in addition to a robust monitoring system to ensure success and continuity of the scheme. This laudable initiative will shape the future of waste management, create job opportunities and promote a harmonious public-private initiative that is beneficial to all”, Odumboni said.

Also speaking, the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, affirmed the readiness of relevant stakeholders in the epoch-making project, adding that the team has developed a framework for sustainable e-waste management through aggressive advocacy campaign on attitudinal change, manufacturers’ behaviour with attention on the non-availability of adequate information to the end line user of products and likely dangers inherent in indiscriminate disposal of electronic waste in an unfriendly manner.

“Lagos has been picked to test run the scheme, therefore, all hands must be on deck for the success of the project, its continuity and extension to other States of the Federation. Adequate training would be organised to enable the collectors to perform their duties seamlessly and systematically. The collection centres cut across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State, in affirmation of government commitment to the scheme”, Fasawe reiterated.

On her part, the Director, Inspection and Enforcement, NESREA, Mrs. Miranda Amachree, disclosed that the choice of Lagos as the pilot for the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) project was not by accident but in recognition of its environmentally-friendly nature and commercial hub of the nation.

“Government recognises the need to sanitise the unwholesome management of e-waste and to also protect our people from unhealthy situations associated with constant exposure and haphazard disposal of electronic waste. We are building on the existing structure of Lagos; therefore, we are not relenting until the menace is uprooted from our system”, Amachree asserted.

Caption: NESREA project Manager, Halima Kolo Muhammed; General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe and Managing Director, LAWMA, Ibrahim Odumboni