RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reportedly directed the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to resign amid mounting concerns over the accumulation of refuse across several parts of the state.
The governor is also reported to have selected Dr Hassan Sanuth, a senior environmental management official, as Gbadegesin’s replacement.
However, the Lagos State Government has yet to officially confirm the reported leadership change.
Sources familiar with the development alleged that Sanwo-Olu became dissatisfied with LAWMA’s performance following repeated complaints about delayed waste collection and the continued presence of refuse along major roads and residential streets.
The governor reportedly requested Gbadegesin’s resignation over the weekend, although the LAWMA chief was said to be seeking additional time to address the operational challenges.
The development follows Sanwo-Olu’s recent inspection of the Olusosun Dumpsite in Ojota, where he expressed concern over deteriorating waste management conditions and directed an overhaul of the agency’s operations.
During the inspection, the governor acknowledged disruptions in refuse collection, citing difficulties involving Private Sector Participation operators and operational challenges at waste disposal facilities.
He also disclosed that ongoing improvements at the Olusosun and Solous 3 dumpsites were intended to increase disposal capacity and support more effective waste evacuation.
Despite these measures, residents in areas including Mushin, Surulere, Egbeda, Ikorodu, Apapa, Ojo and Mile 2 have continued to complain about uncollected refuse.
The situation has raised concerns about sanitation, environmental safety and the effectiveness of waste collection arrangements.
Meanwhile, Gbadegesin recently outlined efforts to improve services, reporting clearance operations in Mile 2, Obalende and other affected communities.
He also disclosed the deployment of additional waste collection trucks and revised collection schedules for several routes.
According to the update, the agency was working to establish consistent waste evacuation rather than relying solely on emergency clearance operations.
Sanuth, who reportedly emerged as the governor’s preferred replacement, previously served as Director of Sanitation Services in the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
He holds advanced qualifications in microbiology and has extensive experience in environmental management, pollution control and public-sector administration.
The reported leadership change comes as pressure mounts on the Lagos State Government to deliver lasting improvements in waste collection and sanitation.
Until an official announcement is issued, Gbadegesin’s reported resignation and Sanuth’s appointment remain unconfirmed.
