FG to deploy digital identity to tackle illegal mining

The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to reform the solid minerals industry by leveraging digital identity technology to improve oversight, identify mining operators and combat illegal activities across the sector.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed the plan while hosting the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and members of her management team during a courtesy visit in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the ministry said both organisations were exploring closer cooperation aimed at integrating digital identity solutions into the mining industry to enhance governance, transparency and security.

Alake described NIMC as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development agenda, noting that modern governance depends heavily on reliable identity systems, technology and quality data.

‘NIMC occupies a critical position in translating policy into reality. It is pivotal to the development of any nation because governance today is driven by data, technology and credible identity systems,’ the minister said.

He explained that the ongoing transformation of the mining sector required strong collaboration with institutions responsible for identity management to improve accountability and strengthen regulatory enforcement.

According to him, establishing a robust identity framework would enable authorities to distinguish licensed operators from illegal miners while improving surveillance of mining activities nationwide.

‘Without identification, we cannot trace; we cannot track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective tracking of both legal and illegal operations.

‘A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement and support our efforts to sanitise the sector,’ he said.

Alake also identified digital identity, technology, data collection and statistical analysis as essential tools for evidence-based policymaking, effective licensing processes, stronger regulation and attracting investment into the industry.

He added that dependable data would give government agencies clearer insight into activities within the sector, allowing them to formulate policies that promote sustainable growth.

The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to address persistent challenges in the mining industry, including illegal mining, weak regulatory oversight, insecurity and inadequate data on operators. Authorities believe that stronger regulation, supported by reliable digital information, will help unlock the sector’s economic potential while reducing unlawful activities.

Speaking earlier, Coker-Odusote outlined several areas where NIMC could support the ministry’s reform agenda.

She said the recently enacted NIMC Act 2026 had reinforced the country’s legal framework for digital identity management and opened the door for wider adoption of identity solutions across government institutions.

According to her, integrating NIMC’s digital identity infrastructure into the mining sector would facilitate database integration among government agencies, improve compliance with regulations and strengthen security operations.

She also said it would enhance the monitoring of mining operators and provide stronger support for the implementation of Community Development Agreements in mining host communities.

Coker-Odusote noted that dependable digital identity systems would enable government agencies to maintain more accurate records while improving transparency and service delivery.

She added that the new legislation would promote secure identity verification, enhance information sharing among government agencies and improve the delivery of public services to Nigerians and legal residents.

The NIMC chief said the commission’s digital infrastructure could help establish a more reliable identity ecosystem for the mining industry, enabling regulators to verify operators more effectively and strengthen nationwide monitoring.

Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to working together on technology-driven initiatives designed to improve governance, transparency, accountability and security in the management of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Shettima arrives in Sierra Leone for ECOWAS mid-year summit 2026

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday arrived in Lungi, Sierra Leone to participate in the 69th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government Summit.

On arrival at the Sierra Leone International Airport, Lungi, Shettima was received by the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Jalloh, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye.

Also on ground to welcome the VP are the Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Amb. Ayo Luther-Ogbomode, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Nigerian Permanent Representative to the ECOWAS, Amb. Olawale Awe, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high-level gathering brought together Heads of State, government officials, diplomats and development partners from across West Africa.

The participants gather to discuss key regional issues, including peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development.

Nigeria’s presence at the summits further demonstrates its commitment to regional diplomacy and its determination to strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

NBC to set up tribunal for broadcast violations

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) says it will establish an independent tribunal, comprising retired judges and other impartial officials, to hear broadcast violation cases.

The commission also disclosed that it will appeal the court judgment on its powers to impose financial sanctions on erring broadcast stations.

The Director-General of NBC, Dr Charles Ebuebu, made these known in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Ebuebu clarified that the court did not prohibit the commission from imposing sanctions on erring broadcasters.

‘The court didn’t say NBC cannot sanction. It only said you cannot be a judge and jury in your own case,’ he said.

He explained that the judgment specifically addressed financial sanctions, which the court viewed as akin to criminal penalties imposed without an independent adjudicatory process.

According to him, NBC disagrees with the interpretation, insisting administrative fines differ from criminal fines, hence its decision to challenge the ruling on appeal.

‘There’s a difference between a criminal fine and an administrative fine.

‘That is why we have appealed the court’s decisions,’ Ebuebu said.

He said the commission was designing an independent tribunal within the regulatory framework but separate from NBC to determine broadcast violation cases.

Ebuebu said retired judges and other independent officials would serve on the tribunal to ensure fairness and transparency in adjudicating violations.

He likened the arrangement to the Federal Road Safety Commission’s mobile court system, where traffic offenders appear before an independent tribunal before sanctions are imposed.

‘If you’re caught, you go before a tribunal or a mobile court.

‘You don’t really have to go before a fully-fledged magistrate court,’ he said.

The NBC boss warned that removing sanctioning powers would weaken broadcast regulation, as some operators ignore warning letters until penalties are imposed.

‘We don’t want to go from warning letters to withdrawing a licence. That’s arbitrary.

There must be a process, and we are going back to court to appeal that decisions’ he said.

In May 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the NBC lacked the power to unilaterally impose financial sanctions on broadcast stations without judicial intervention.

The court held that imposing monetary fines without an independent adjudicatory process breached the principles of fair hearing, and consequently nullified fines earlier imposed on affected broadcasters.

The NBC appealed the decisions of the high court in the case institute against the commission by the Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda.

On April 2, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed the NBC’s appeal and affirmed the Federal High Court’s judgment, holding that the commission’s appeal lacked merit.

The appellate court upheld the nullification of the fines imposed on affected broadcasters, reinforcing that the NBC cannot unilaterally impose financial penalties under the existing legal framework.

Inside the career of NBA’s new president, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has emerged as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), becoming one of the leading voices in Nigeria’s legal profession.

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002, Badejo-Okusanya obtained her law degree from the University of Lagos before beginning her legal career at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial law firms. Over the years, she built a reputation as a skilled legal practitioner with expertise in litigation, dispute resolution and public sector law.

Her rise in the legal profession saw her attain the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on September 29, 2025.

The SAN title is regarded as the highest professional distinction for legal practitioners in Nigeria and is awarded to lawyers who have demonstrated excellence, integrity and significant contributions to the development of the law.

Beyond private legal practice, Badejo-Okusanya has also served in public office. In 2007, she was appointed by former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, as a senior aide on Justice Sector Reform.

In that role, she contributed to initiatives aimed at improving the administration of justice and strengthening legal institutions in Lagos State.

She later served as General Counsel to the Lagos State Governor between 2011 and 2015, providing legal advice on government policies, governance matters and public administration.

Currently, Badejo-Okusanya is a partner at ALP NG and Co. (Africa Law Practice NG and Company), where she serves as Co-Head of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice. Her work spans complex commercial disputes, arbitration and strategic legal advisory services.

She is also widely recognised in the international legal community through her memberships in several prominent organisations, including the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), the African Arbitration Association, Arbitral Women, the International Bar Association (IBA), and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA).

With more than two decades of legal experience across private practice, public service and international arbitration, Badejo-Okusanya’s emergence as NBA President marks another significant milestone in a distinguished legal career.

Tragedy hits Ooni’s family as elder brother dies suddenly

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, describing him as a man of exceptional character whose life was defined by humility, integrity, compassion and entrepreneurial excellence.

In an emotional tribute released on Sunday, the monarch said the passing of Prince Adetunji had left an irreplaceable void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

The statement, issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the late prince lived a life of purpose and service that touched countless lives.

Born on December 8, 1967, Prince Adetunji hailed from the illustrious Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings and was widely respected in Nigeria’s business community for his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial accomplishments.

The Ooni said beyond his success in business, his late brother was a compassionate philanthropist who quietly supported many people through his generosity, wise counsel and selfless service.

‘Today, the entire royal family mourns not only a brother and son but also a trusted confidant, a dependable pillar of our family and a man whose life reflected honour, dignity and uncommon compassion,’ the monarch said.

He added that Prince Adetunji’s unwavering commitment to family values, enterprise and humanity would continue to inspire generations.

According to the Ooni, the late prince’s legacy extended far beyond the corporate world, as he consistently upheld the values and traditions of the Ojaja Royal Family through his humility, integrity and dedication to the progress of society.

The revered monarch prayed for the peaceful repose of his brother’s soul and asked God to grant strength and comfort to his immediate family, friends, business associates and everyone affected by the loss.

He also urged the people of Ile-Ife and well-wishers to take solace in the impactful life Prince Adetunji lived, noting that his legacy of excellence, kindness and service would endure.

‘Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his footprints on the sands of time can never be erased. We are comforted by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life dedicated to God, family, enterprise and humanity. May the Almighty grant us the strength to bear this painful loss,’ the Ooni said.

ICPC secures final forfeiture of N941m linked to IPPIS fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the final forfeiture of the sum of ?941,994,079.86 million linked to suspected ghost workers uncovered by the Commission’s investigations into Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja gave the ruling in an ex-parte application moved by the ICPC (on behalf of the federal government) praying for the fund, believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities to be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The ICPC, following the hint of the court had published the names of 910 individuals suspected to have benefited from the purported fraud in two National Dailies (Daily Trust and The Nation Newspapers) on March 18, 2026.

Investigations by the ICPC had revealed a large-scale payroll fraud involving hundreds of non-existent public servants, with a total sum of N941,994,079.86 traced to accounts linked to the scheme.

The discovery follows a systems study conducted by the Commission in 2023, which revealed the existence of numerous ‘ghost workers’ embedded within the payrolls of several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Acting on the findings, the Federal Government of Nigeria approved a comprehensive audit of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The approval was granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Subsequently, in April 2024, the ICPC initiated a joint investigation with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAF), which uncovered 587 suspected ghost workers on the IPPIS platform.

Investigations revealed that fictitious IPPIS identities had been created for non-existent personnel across multiple MDAs, with salaries paid over extended periods into accounts belonging to individuals and companies. In many cases, the account names did not correspond with those of the purported employees, while some accounts received multiple salary payments simultaneously.

Between August and November 2024, the Commission took enforcement action by placing Post No Debit (PND) restrictions on all identified accounts, effectively freezing funds suspected to be proceeds of fraud.

The affected MDAs include the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Ministries of Defence, Education, Agriculture and Rural Development, Works, Water Resources, and Interior, as well as institutions such as the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Benin, University of Calabar, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and even the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

A verification exercise conducted in 2025 cleared 120 civil servants, whose identities and employment status were confirmed and subsequently reinstated on the IPPIS platform.

However, investigations showed that 467 bank accounts remain linked to unverified individuals, with account holders yet to be identified. The total sum of N941.9 million currently frozen in these accounts formed the subject of legal action.

According to the ICPC Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Hamza Sani esq, detailed records of the affected accounts, including IPPIS numbers, names of the purported workers, and banking details of beneficiaries, were compiled as part of the evidence before the court.

Justice Nyako, in a recent ruling effectively ordered the transfers of ownership of the recovered funds to the Federal Government.

‘That an Order is hereby made for the Final Forfeiture to the Federal Republic of Nigeria the Sum of ?941,994,079.86 seized during investigation into the IPPIS Payroll scam in the year 2024,’

The ICPC remains committed to combating corruption and promoting transparency and good governance through the rule of law within the Nigerian space.

Tragedy in Ife palace as Ooni loses immediate elder brother

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

The revered monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.

According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.

The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.

The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.

The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.

The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.

Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.

Obanikoro rules out Lagos governorship bid, insists he won 2007 poll

By Tolulope Oke

Former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro has ruled out another attempt to govern Lagos, but insists he defeated Babatunde Fashola in the 2007 governorship election.

Obanikoro said his governorship ambition was now ‘completely off the table’ during an appearance on Mic On Podcast, hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye.

The 66-year-old politician said he now wanted to concentrate on mentoring young Nigerians rather than pursuing another political ambition.

‘It is completely off the table,’ Obanikoro said.

‘I’m 66. At this age, we want to reflect more and do things that will properly help the coming generation.’

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s weakening family structure and value system, arguing that experienced political leaders should dedicate more time to preparing younger Nigerians for leadership.

‘There is a need for people to mentor the coming generation. The family structure has more or less collapsed,’ he said.

‘Our value system is in reverse gear. When you review all of that, the best people like us can do is mentor more.

‘Let the coming generation be calm and patient. Whether we like it or not, they stand to inherit Nigeria.’

Obanikoro contested the 2007 Lagos governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party after defecting from the Alliance for Democracy.

He lost officially to Fashola, who contested under the Action Congress and was backed by the political structure of then-Lagos governor Bola Tinubu.

Asked about claims by his supporters that he won the election, Obanikoro said he shared that belief.

‘I also believe that we won that election, but you know Nigeria-it is what it is,’ he said.

The former Lagos Central senator also maintained that he had no regrets about challenging Tinubu’s political structure despite previously serving as a commissioner under his administration.

‘All I wanted to do was to achieve what I set my mind on,’ Obanikoro said.

‘I was not even thinking about whether I was fighting against my own family-the Bola Tinubu political structure.

‘I just felt I wanted to be governor because, at that time, I was full of so many things in my mind.’

Navy foils fresh bid to revive illegal refineries in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has recorded another breakthrough in its campaign against crude oil theft, dismantling two illegal refining sites that had been secretly restored by suspected oil thieves in Rivers State and recovering more than 126,000 litres of suspected petroleum products.

The development forms part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SENTINEL, through which the navy says it is maintaining pressure on illegal refining camps and preventing criminal groups from resuming activities in known hotspots.

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the latest operation in an operational report issued on Sunday in Abuja.

According to him, naval personnel attached to Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER had earlier uncovered and destroyed illegal refining camps in the Egbema area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area on July 10. However, intelligence later revealed that some of the dismantled facilities had been brought back into operation, prompting renewed surveillance and follow-up raids.

He said the latest operation successfully disrupted those efforts.

‘During the latest operation, NNS PATHFINDER personnel rediscovered and deactivated two reactivated illegal refining sites, recovering approximately 76,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.

‘They also recovered 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in seven dugout pits and reservoirs, bringing the total volume of recovered petroleum products to over 126,000 litres.

‘The operation demonstrates the navy’s determination to deny crude oil thieves the opportunity to regain operational footholds or rebuild illegal refining infrastructure within its area of responsibility,’ he said.

Folorunsho explained that the destroyed facilities and all recovered products were processed in line with existing procedures for combating crude oil theft, adding that security forces were sustaining pressure on identified criminal locations.

He reiterated the navy’s resolve to continue intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining camps, disrupting oil theft syndicates, safeguarding strategic national assets and strengthening the country’s economic security.

LAWMA unveils major reforms to end Lagos waste crisis

By Fabian Ekeruche

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) says it is implementing sweeping infrastructure, regulatory and operational reforms to end persistent waste backlog and improve environmental sanitation across the state.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this during a live interview on Lagos Traffic Radio’s Talk Time programme on Saturday.

Gbadegesin attributed the recent resurgence of waste on roads and inner streets to ageing landfill facilities, rising waste generation, heavy rainfall and inadequate waste disposal infrastructure.

He said Lagos currently generated between 13,000 and 15,000 tonnes of waste daily, driven by its estimated 22 million population.

‘The challenge is not just population growth. Two of our major disposal sites, Olusosun and Solous III, have reached the end of their operational lives.

‘We are now carrying out end-of-life operations while transitioning to a more modern waste management system,’ he said.

He said conventional dumpsites were no longer sustainable because of Lagos’ coastal terrain, limited land availability and growing urban population.

According to him, the state is replacing landfills with Transfer Loading Stations, Material Recovery Facilities and waste-to-energy plants.

He said transfer loading stations under construction at Olusosun and Solous would each receive thousands of tonnes of waste daily before transporting them to modern processing facilities.

Gbadegesin said the Olusosun facility alone would handle 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, while a material recovery facility under construction in Ikorodu would mechanically recover about 90 per cent of incoming waste.

‘The organic fraction will become compost or energy, plastics will be recycled into products such as waste bins, while only a small residual fraction will end up in engineered landfills,’ he said.

He disclosed that the projects would create about 5,000 direct jobs and were expected to become operational during the first quarter of 2027.

The managing director said LAWMA had also begun deploying waste-to-energy technologies, including biodigesters converting market waste into biogas for electricity generation and cooking gas.

He cited the recently commissioned biodigester at the Ikoyi Fruit Market, where organic waste from fruits was being converted into renewable energy.

Gbadegesin identified poor public compliance with waste management regulations as another major obstacle confronting effective sanitation in Lagos.

He said every household was legally required to maintain waste bins and subscribe to licensed Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for regular waste collection.

‘A significant number of residents are not complying.

‘When residents refuse to pay PSP operators, operators struggle financially and service delivery suffers. It becomes a vicious cycle,’ he said.

He urged residents not to dump refuse on roadsides whenever PSP operators delayed collections.

‘If your PSP operator fails to collect your waste, contact LAWMA immediately. Do not resort to illegal dumping.

‘We provide backup services and target a 48-hour response time for complaints,’ he said.

Responding to callers’ complaints about delayed waste evacuation in areas including Ogba, Magodo and Osi, Gbadegesin assured residents that LAWMA would investigate erring operators and deploy backup trucks where necessary.

He disclosed that LAWMA monitored the performance of all licensed PSP operators monthly and sanctioned defaulters through warning letters and possible licence withdrawal.

‘We have a performance matrix.

‘Operators that consistently fail to meet service standards receive warnings and can ultimately lose their operating licenses,’ he said.

On enforcement, the LAWMA chief described indiscriminate waste dumping as ‘an act of sabotage’ because of its impact on flooding, traffic congestion and public infrastructure.

He said the authority had strengthened surveillance through its Project WISE (Waste Investigation, Surveillance and Enforcement) initiative.

According to him, undercover enforcement teams monitor illegal dumping locations, apprehend offenders and prosecute them before environmental courts.

‘We have secured thousands of convictions.

‘Some offenders have served jail terms, while others perform community service by cleaning illegal dump sites,’ he said.

He added that LAWMA was collaborating with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and the House of Assembly to review environmental laws and introduce stiffer penalties.

Gbadegesin said the authority was intensifying behavioural change campaigns through the LAWMA Academy, established to educate pupils, students and young people on recycling, circular economy and responsible waste management.

‘We want environmental education embedded in school curricula because sustainable waste management begins with behavioural change,’ he said.

The managing director said LAWMA was also working closely with the state’s 57 local governments and local council development areas to strengthen community ownership of sanitation.

He explained that local waste management task forces comprising community leaders, environmental officers and PSP operators had been established to tackle sanitation challenges at the grassroots.

Gbadegesin said LAWMA was expanding a tricycle-based door-to-door waste collection model in communities inaccessible to compactor trucks.

He said the initiative, already operating successfully in Ibeju-Lekki and Lagos Island, allowed residents to pay per collection while improving service delivery.

He also announced plans for community recycling centres where residents would exchange recyclable materials for cash.

He estimated that recyclable materials generated annually in Lagos were worth about $2.5 billion, describing waste as a major economic resource.

He said the authority had received 10 additional compactor trucks from the Lagos State Lottery Board and expected about 150 more trucks before the end of the year.

He, however, noted that Lagos required about 2,000 compactor trucks for efficient statewide waste collection.

‘We are still below half of what Lagos requires, but government is investing heavily to close the gap,’ he said.

Gbadegesin disclosed that LAWMA was constructing or rehabilitating seven transfer loading stations, including facilities at Olusosun, Solous, Ikorodu, Iberekodo, Ijegun, Agege and Oshodi.

He said the state would ultimately require about 20 transfer loading stations under its three-year waste infrastructure development plan.

On environmental sanitation exercises, Gbadegesin advised residents to bag waste removed from drainage channels and notify LAWMA or local authorities for prompt evacuation.

He warned PSP operators against sorting waste on residential streets, describing the practice as unacceptable and contrary to operational guidelines.

The LAWMA chief assured residents that ongoing rehabilitation of landfill access roads and new infrastructure projects would significantly improve waste evacuation.

‘You should begin to see noticeable improvements within the next few weeks.

‘By August, when rainfall reduces, the situation will improve further.

‘Before December, Lagosians should expect a cleaner environment and a cleaner festive season,’ he said.