RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Director of Sanitation and Services in the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Hassan Sanuth, has denied reports claiming that he has been appointed Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
Sanuth dismissed the claims on Tuesday, October 20, describing them as false and unfounded, following widespread reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had selected him to replace the agency’s Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin.
In a public disclaimer, Sanuth categorically rejected the reports, stating that no such appointment had been made.
He urged members of the public to disregard the information and avoid circulating unverified claims concerning government appointments.
Sanuth also expressed appreciation to colleagues and well-wishers who had contacted him with congratulatory messages after the reports emerged.
However, he emphasised that information about appointments to public offices should be verified through appropriate government channels before being shared.
The denial followed reports that Governor Sanwo-Olu had asked Gbadegesin to resign over mounting concerns about waste collection and disposal across Lagos State.
The reported development came amid public complaints about refuse accumulation along major roads, residential streets and drainage channels.
Sanwo-Olu had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with waste management operations during an inspection of the Olusosun dumpsite in Ojota, directing improvements in refuse evacuation and the performance of waste collection operators.
The governor’s intervention intensified speculation about possible leadership changes at LAWMA, with Sanuth subsequently named in reports as Gbadegesin’s proposed replacement.
However, Sanuth’s statement directly contradicts those reports, while the Lagos State Government has yet to publicly confirm his appointment.
The controversy has drawn attention to the importance of accurate reporting on government decisions, particularly when official announcements have not been issued.
Meanwhile, questions surrounding LAWMA’s leadership come as the state government continues efforts to address waste collection challenges affecting several communities.
The agency has recently undertaken measures aimed at improving the performance of private waste collection operators and strengthening refuse evacuation services.
Sanuth maintained that members of the public should rely on verified information rather than speculation when discussing appointments and changes in government institutions.
As of Tuesday, his reported appointment remained unconfirmed, with the official leadership position awaiting clarification from the appropriate Lagos State authorities.
