Governor Sanwo-Olu replaces LAWMA chief amid Lagos waste emergency

Background to the waste crisis Lagos has been confronting a severe waste management problem since at least August 2025, with residents reporting piles of refuse on road medians, streets and drainage channels in districts such as Mushin, Egbeda, Surulere, Ajegunle, Ikorodu, Ojo, Obalende, Apapa and Mile 2. The accumulation of rubbish has raised environmental and public‑health concerns and prompted the state government to declare a waste‑management emergency.

Governor’s intervention During a visit to the Olusosun Dumpsite in Ojota roughly a month before the latest developments, Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu expressed disappointment with the state of waste disposal, describing the situation as “embarrassing”. He ordered immediate measures, directed a review of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and highlighted delays in waste evacuation, partly attributing them to private‑sector participation operators failing to meet their obligations.

Change in LAWMA leadership According to multiple local news outlets, the governor subsequently instructed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to resign. Sources close to the agency said the request was made over a weekend after the governor remained dissatisfied with the pace of waste removal despite repeated directives.

Following the resignation request, the governor named Dr Hassan Sanuth as the new Managing Director of LAWMA. Prior to this appointment, Dr Sanuth served as Director of Sanitation Services within the Office of Environmental Services, part of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. State officials had not yet issued an official confirmation of the appointment at the time of reporting.

Reactions and next steps Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Dr Gbadegesin was seeking additional time to address the waste backlog when the resignation request was delivered. Meanwhile, the governor’s deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, accompanied the governor during the earlier dumpsite visit and participated in discussions with waste‑sector stakeholders to outline short‑, medium‑ and long‑term solutions.

The leadership change is intended to accelerate waste collection, improve coordination with private operators and restore public confidence in municipal sanitation services. Observers note that the effectiveness of the new appointment will depend on the implementation of the emergency measures announced by the governor and the ability of LAWMA to overcome operational challenges that have persisted for months.

Outlook Lagos residents and businesses await tangible improvements as the new LAWMA chief assumes responsibility. The state government has pledged continued focus on waste management, but the extent to which the new leadership can reverse the current crisis remains to be seen.