The Lagos State Government is introducing sweeping reforms to overhaul its waste management system, mandating GPS tracking for all waste disposal trucks and a complete shift to digital payment systems for Private Sector Participants (PSPs). The reforms are designed to boost accountability, strengthen oversight, and streamline service delivery in the state’s growing urban environment.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources made the announcement via his official social media page on Wednesday. He said the decision followed a strategic meeting involving the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
At the heart of the reform is a centralized digital platform that will provide real-time data on waste collection operations across the state. Every PSP-operated truck will now be fitted with GPS devices and connected to this portal, enabling state officials to monitor routes, track coverage, and detect inefficiencies. This approach is intended to replace assumptions with hard data and ensure that service delivery is closely monitored.
The government is also eliminating cash transactions in the waste sector, enforcing a transition to digital payments only. This move is expected to reduce leakages, curb corruption, and help track revenue flow within the system. According to the commissioner, it is part of a broader drive to infuse transparency and innovation into waste management services.
Acknowledging the financial and operational challenges faced by PSPs, the commissioner emphasized the state’s readiness to support operators who are committed to these reforms. He also highlighted the importance of accurately documenting all serviced households and commercial premises, especially in light of the state’s rapid population growth and expansion.
Beyond digital tracking and payments, Lagos is pushing forward with other measures to make its waste system more sustainable. In April, LAWMA revealed plans to procure and lease compactor trucks to PSPs. This is aimed at cushioning the impact of foreign exchange volatility and rising diesel prices, which have hurt PSP efficiency despite ongoing subsidies.
The Lagos State Government is also aiming for a long-term transformation of its waste economy. LAWMA has estimated that the state could generate as much as $2.5 billion annually by shifting towards a circular economy—an approach that prioritizes recycling and reuse over landfill disposal. Lagos currently disposes of around 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, but LAWMA projects that up to 10,000 tonnes could be diverted from landfills and put to productive use if recycling systems are strengthened.
To encourage this transition, the government is promoting waste sorting at the source and building community recycling centers. These centers will allow residents to exchange recyclable items—such as PET bottles, metals, paper, and food waste—for incentives. The goal is to foster a culture of sustainability while creating green jobs and stimulating the local economy.
The reforms mark one of the most ambitious attempts yet to modernize Lagos’s waste management, balancing innovation with environmental responsibility. As the state navigates growing urban pressures, the integration of technology, community participation, and economic incentives may offer a roadmap for other African cities seeking similar transformations.
