The Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Femi Olaniyi-Ferrari, has called for a comprehensive review of the state’s waste management system amid concerns over refuse accumulation in some communities.

Olaniyi-Ferrari made the call on Tuesday in Lagos while reacting to a media report that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had asked the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to resign over waste management challenges.

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The SDP candidate said the situation required a holistic assessment of waste collection, transportation, disposal and recycling, rather than focusing exclusively on the leadership of the agency.

He added that reports of accumulated refuse had raised concerns about sanitation, public health and environmental protection.

“Addressing the waste management challenges in Lagos requires a holistic approach that examines the entire system, including the operations of Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, disposal facilities and recycling infrastructure,” he said.

Olaniyi-Ferrari identified prompt payments to PSP operators, adequate operational equipment and effective management of disposal facilities as areas requiring urgent attention.

He also called for a sustainable policy framework that would promote recycling and turn waste into economic opportunities.

As part of his proposals, he recommended decentralising LAWMA’s operations into five regional hubs supported by transfer loading stations to improve waste collection and transportation.

He further urged the state government to consider providing compressed natural gas-powered compactors to PSP operators, arguing that the equipment could improve operational efficiency and support cleaner waste transportation.

“Private waste collection operators need an enabling environment, including timely payments, appropriate equipment and effective coordination, to deliver services efficiently,” he said.

The SDP candidate also proposed establishing recycling plants in Epe and Ikorodu, saying investments in waste processing could create jobs and stimulate local economic development.

He called for an assessment of the operational capacity of the Olusosun and Solous landfill sites to identify improvements needed to ease disposal delays and strengthen waste management operations.

According to him, effective waste management requires long-term planning, infrastructure development, public participation and measurable performance targets.

He also urged the government to provide clear information about waste management operations and regularly inform residents about progress in tackling sanitation problems.

Olaniyi-Ferrari expressed sympathy for Gbadegesin, saying the reported situation should be assessed within the wider context of LAWMA’s operational responsibilities and the state government’s environmental policies.

He urged the government to combine immediate interventions with long-term reforms to improve sanitation and prevent a recurrence of the problems.

“Residents deserve a waste management system that prioritises public health, environmental sustainability and efficient service delivery,” he said.

“The objective should be to develop lasting solutions that benefit communities across Lagos.”

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He added that his proposed approach would focus on improving coordination, expanding recycling opportunities and strengthening the infrastructure needed to manage waste across the state.