PEWAN advocates for increase investment in waste infrastructure, PPP, others
The Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) has advocated for increased investment in waste infrastructure by developing modern waste treatment facilities and expanding collection services, implementing effective waste segregation and awareness campaigns, deploying smart bins for efficient waste management and increasing partnerships with private sector and communities to address waste management challenges in Lagos.
The Chairman, Property And Environment Writers Association Of Nigeria (PEWAN) Mrs. Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie made this position known at its 2026 quarterly forum held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at NECA House, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos State.
The quarterly forum of Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) is the first of activities for the association in 2026 and aimed at fashioning out ways to address the perennial waste management challenge in Lagos.
Iroegbu-Chikezie acknowledged the initiative of the Lagos State Government through LAWMA for the significant investment in efforts at Waste Management through policy framework, and policy implementation.
Worthy of note among initiatives, she said is that LAWMA is implementing a 10-year, technology-driven waste management under the THEMES+ agenda (Health and Environment pillar), thereby transitioning from conventional dumpsites to Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and upgrading Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) at Olusosun and Solus.
She mentioned the “Trash for Cash” initiative that is ongoing and the government plan to deplore at least, 100 CNG that is (Compressed Natural Gas) compactor trucks to enhance cleaner, Eco-Friendly collection, using smart bins (RFID).
The PEWAN Chairman acknowledged that while much has been achieved, much effort is desired to make the environment cleaner, safer and sustainable for all residents and future generations.
According to her, Lagos, as a vibrant megacity, faces significant waste management challenges, stressing that with over 13,000 tonnes of waste generated daily, effective management is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability.
She identified the challenges in this regard to include “rapid urbanisation as population growth continues to outpaces waste infrastructure development.
“Inadequate collection limits progress as only 40 percent of waste is collected, leaving much unmanaged.
“There is also the challenge of limited recycling, lack of proper facilities and awareness hinders recycling efforts, enforcement and coordination issues among others.”
She commended the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Gbadegesin, and the President, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, Dr. Olugbenga Adebola for championing diverse ways on the waste management initiatives.
She highlighted that as a group within the built environment, PEWAN sees the need for authorities to deepen policy enforcement and monitoring, improve budget allocation for waste management and involve the local communities in waste reduction efforts.
Iroegbu-Chikezie affirmed that addressing these challenges and leveraging solutions offered, and others expected from participants at the forum, Lagos could achieve sustainable waste management and enhance quality of life.
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