The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has announced that it evacuated 418,500 tonnes of waste across Lagos State in May as part of a broader effort to strengthen sanitation and environmental cleanliness.

The agency said the intensified clean-up campaign was aimed at improving public hygiene, reducing indiscriminate waste disposal, and maintaining a healthier environment for residents across the state.

According to LAWMA, the waste evacuation exercise covered residential areas, markets, highways, and other public spaces in different parts of Lagos. The authority noted that its operations were carried out through a combination of direct intervention and collaboration with private sector operators responsible for waste collection.

The agency explained that the sustained evacuation drive forms part of the Lagos State Government’s strategy to improve urban sanitation and ensure cleaner communities. It added that increased monitoring and enforcement activities have also been introduced to discourage illegal dumping and non-compliance with environmental regulations.

LAWMA urged residents and businesses to support the sanitation campaign by disposing of waste properly, patronizing approved waste operators, and avoiding practices that contribute to environmental pollution.

The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding waste management infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability across Lagos State.

Lagos, one of Africa’s largest cities by population, generates thousands of tonnes of waste daily, making effective waste management a critical public health and environmental priority for the state government and sanitation agencies.

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The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy has called for greater commitment to physical planning and sustainable urban development as part of efforts to build safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable cities across Nigeria.

The call was made in a statement marking the 2026 World Environment Day, where the foundation urged governments, private sector actors, and citizens to prioritise responsible environmental management and orderly urban development.

Urbanisation Driving Environmental Challenges

According to the foundation, rapid urbanisation in Nigeria and other developing countries has intensified environmental and infrastructural challenges.

These include flooding, traffic congestion, pollution, indiscriminate development, housing shortages, and climate-related disasters.

Founder of the foundation, Nathaniel Atebije, said these challenges highlight the urgent need for effective physical planning as a strategic tool for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social stability.

The foundation stressed that no nation can achieve resilient and sustainable cities without strict adherence to sound urban and regional planning principles.

It described physical planning as one of the most effective tools for:

• Orderly urban development
• Environmental protection
• Disaster risk reduction
• Efficient land use management
• Creation of livable human settlements

Call for Stronger Institutions and Enforcement

The organisation urged all levels of government to strengthen planning institutions and enforce development control regulations.

It also called for the preparation and implementation of functional regional, urban, and local development plans across the country.

The foundation further insisted that planning approvals and infrastructure decisions should be guided by qualified indigenous planning professionals with strong knowledge of local environmental and socio-economic conditions.

Private Sector and Developers Urged to Comply

The foundation appealed to corporate organisations, private developers, financial institutions, and individuals to integrate physical planning principles into all development projects and investment decisions.

It warned that developments carried out without proper planning often lead to:

• Environmental hazards
• Economic losses
• Avoidable disputes
• Unsustainable urban growth patterns

Underutilisation of Local Expertise

The statement noted that Nigeria has a pool of highly trained indigenous professionals in the built environment sector whose expertise remains underutilised in national development.

It stressed that involving town planners and related experts in project design, site selection, environmental management, and infrastructure planning is both a legal requirement and a long-term investment in sustainability.

Need to Update and Enforce Master Plans

The foundation also called for a comprehensive review and implementation of urban and regional master plans to reflect Nigeria’s rapid population growth and climate change realities.

It urged strict enforcement of development control regulations to prevent illegal structures and encroachment on floodplains, road setbacks, green areas, and utility corridors.

Commitment to Advocacy and Awareness

Reaffirming its mission, the foundation said it remains committed to promoting planning consciousness, environmental sustainability, housing advocacy, and responsible urban governance through research, policy advocacy, and public enlightenment.

“We call on all citizens to become active partners in protecting our environment and building cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable for present and future generations,” the group stated.

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Stakeholders in Nigeria’s built environment sector have called on the Federal Government to actively engage indigenous physical planners in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, warning that development efforts without proper planning could lead to fragmented and unsustainable outcomes.

The call was made during the maiden annual lecture organised by the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy in Abuja, where professionals, policymakers, academics, politicians, and development experts gathered to discuss the future of urban planning and sustainable development in Nigeria.

The event featured a keynote lecture delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the convener of NAFPA, Nathaniel Atebije, and the Chairman of the Maiden Lecture Planning Committee, Barnabas Atiyaye, participants stressed that planning must serve as the foundation for all development initiatives under the Federal Government’s economic and infrastructure programmes.

According to the stakeholders, Nigeria’s rapid urban growth remains largely unstructured, resulting in worsening congestion, flooding, environmental degradation, and the spread of informal settlements across cities.

They warned that many ongoing projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including housing and infrastructure developments, are being executed without proper spatial integration.

“Cities are expanding without structure, leading to severe economic and social consequences. Development without coordinated planning creates unsustainable urban systems,” the communiqué stated.

The participants further argued that physical development should not be mistaken for physical planning, noting that infrastructure projects implemented without coordinated master plans often create long-term urban management challenges.

They also expressed concern that housing initiatives may fail to deliver lasting value if they are not properly connected to transportation systems, drainage infrastructure, utilities, and environmental frameworks.

As part of their recommendations, the stakeholders urged the Federal Government to accelerate the completion of the long-delayed National Physical Development Plan, which has remained pending for over 15 years.

According to them, the national framework is necessary to guide balanced regional growth, urban expansion, and coordinated infrastructure development across Nigeria.

The participants further called for strict compliance with approved master plans and structure plans in all cities and urban centres.

They insisted that planning regulations should be treated as legally binding instruments rather than optional guidelines, warning that weak enforcement continues to fuel illegal developments and chaotic urbanisation.

The stakeholders also proposed that Federal Government projects should only be approved in states and local government areas with up-to-date master plans.

According to them, such a policy would compel sub-national governments to prioritise physical planning before embarking on major infrastructure and housing projects.

The communiqué additionally raised alarm over increasing encroachment on green areas, wetlands, and environmentally sensitive zones, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.

Participants lamented that green coverage in Abuja has reportedly declined to about 17 percent, far below the 33 percent allocation contained in the Abuja Master Plan.

They warned that continued violations of designated green and open spaces could gradually transform Abuja from the “green city” envisioned in the original master plan into what they described as a “brown city.”

The stakeholders further condemned what they described as illegal and unprofessional changes of land use in Abuja, accusing political actors and developers of disregarding planning regulations with impunity.

According to them, unauthorised developments, weak zoning enforcement, and uncontrolled urban expansion continue to undermine the original vision of Abuja as a planned and environmentally sustainable capital city.

They called on relevant authorities to immediately halt further encroachment on green spaces and reverse existing violations to restore order and environmental balance within urban centres.

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The Lagos State Government and Agege Local Government have begun fresh discussions on a collaborative urban renewal initiative aimed at improving infrastructure, tackling environmental challenges, and driving community development within the council area.

The proposed partnership was discussed during a meeting between the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Ganiyu Obasa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Urban Development, Adetunji Adeyemi.

During the engagement, both parties examined ways to strengthen cooperation on urban regeneration projects, drainage systems, and environmental improvement efforts across Agege.

Obasa highlighted several ongoing grassroots development projects in the area, including the construction of community market villages and infrastructure upgrades around Kadiri Street, Bode Tobun Street, Adesokan Street, Okunola Street, and Disu Akogun Street.

According to the council chairman, the affected communities had already been identified under the state’s urban renewal framework and require structured intervention to improve living standards and stimulate economic activities.

“Our objective is to ensure that residents benefit from organised development capable of improving their environment and boosting local businesses,” Obasa stated.

Discussions also centred on the role of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) in supporting complementary infrastructure such as drainage networks, flood control systems, and access roads to ensure proper integration of the projects into the state’s urban planning structure.

Officials noted that the collaboration would not be limited to physical construction alone but would also address environmental sustainability, effective drainage management, and flood mitigation measures in vulnerable communities.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to carry out a joint technical inspection of the project locations. The inspection team is expected to include LASURA officials, urban development experts, and drainage engineers who will assess ongoing work and identify additional intervention needs.

Although some of the proposed projects were not captured in the current budget cycle, the Office of Urban Development assured the council that efforts would be made to explore institutional support and possible implementation options.

Adeyemi commended the Agege Local Government for taking proactive steps toward addressing infrastructure deficits and environmental concerns within the area.

“We are committed to providing the necessary technical support and guidance to ensure that these projects align with the broader urban transformation agenda of Lagos State,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between state and local authorities in achieving sustainable urban renewal and coordinated physical development.

The meeting also addressed concerns over flooding, unregulated construction activities, and structural vulnerabilities in some parts of Agege. Both sides agreed on the need for stricter compliance measures and coordinated monitoring to prevent environmental degradation and uncontrolled development.

Officials present at the meeting included the General Manager of LASURA, Oladimeji Animashaun; the Council Engineer for Agege Local Government, Olajide Abejide; and senior officials from the Office of Urban Development and LASURA.

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The continued violation of the Abuja Master Plan has been described as a major threat to sustainable urban development, environmental protection, and investment security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to planning experts, the Abuja Master Plan remains a legally binding document established under the provisions of the FCT Act, meaning that all land allocations and developments within the territory must strictly comply with approved land use regulations.

They warned that any land allocation or development carried out outside the approved framework constitutes a direct violation of the law and exposes investors to significant risks.

“The Abuja Master Plan is not a hidden document. It is a public document that has even been commercialised by the authority to create awareness and prevent violations,” the statement noted.

The experts stressed that developers who embark on projects contrary to approved land use plans cannot claim ignorance, especially where there have been public concerns and objections regarding such developments.

“Ignorance of the law is never an excuse,” the statement added.

They explained that Sections 3 and 4 of the FCT Act clearly establish the responsibilities of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), including the preparation and implementation of the Abuja Master Plan, land use coordination, provision of infrastructure, and overall physical planning within the territory.

According to the statement, the Master Plan was developed after extensive consultations involving Nigerian professionals, technical experts, and international planning consultants to ensure compliance with global urban planning standards while reflecting Nigeria’s cultural and developmental realities.

The Urban and Regional Planning Department was specifically assigned the responsibility of safeguarding the Master Plan and ensuring that all allocations align with approved land use requirements.

The statement further noted that any allocation carried out without the input and approval of the Urban and Regional Planning Department violates established procedures and often results in land use infractions.

Experts argued that many of the current planning challenges in Abuja stem from the disregard for these checks and balances.

They warned that several aspects of the original city vision, particularly environmental protection and green infrastructure, are gradually being eroded by unchecked developments.

“The Garden City Concept was to be achieved with 33 per cent of land allocated for greening, but many buffer zones and ecological corridors are now being encroached upon,” the statement said.

The experts expressed concern that waterways and green areas originally designed to absorb runoff and reduce flooding have been drastically reduced due to illegal developments.

They also noted that environmental sustainability formed a major part of the philosophy behind the Abuja Master Plan, with provisions aimed at preserving natural landscapes and ensuring long-term urban resilience for future generations.

According to them, enforcement actions can still be taken against projects found to contravene approved land use regulations, regardless of whether such developments have been completed or are still under construction.

The statement also cautioned public officials against using their positions to facilitate land use violations for personal or political interests.

“The appointment of an FCT Minister is a trust to supervise implementation of the Master Plan, not a licence for indiscriminate land acquisition or violations,” the experts stated.

They dismissed claims that ongoing violations could be justified under the guise of “readjustment” or “review” of the Master Plan, insisting that no review process permits illegal developments that deprive the public of planned infrastructure and environmental benefits.

The experts further warned that future administrations could revisit and reverse many controversial allocations and developments, noting that several investors had previously lost properties due to non-compliance with planning regulations.

“History has shown that unlawful developments eventually face enforcement actions. Developers involved in land use violations should take note,” the statement concluded.

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A growing wave of residential and commercial construction is increasingly encroaching on Abuja’s designated green spaces, raising fresh concerns about the long-term environmental health of Nigeria’s capital city.

Despite Abuja’s Master Plan mandating large green buffers, parks and open zones for drainage, air quality and ecological balance, several districts — including Wuse, Asokoro and Guzape — are witnessing the conversion of legally protected green areas into new housing estates and private developments.

Urban planners warn that the trend threatens Abuja’s identity as a planned, environmentally balanced capital. Experts say unchecked construction reduces natural drainage channels, increases urban heat levels, strains water and power systems, and pushes the city closer to recurrent flooding.

Legal experts also question the authority to reassign public green areas, which fall under the FCT Parks and Gardens Agency established by Federal Government Gazette. Some ongoing projects, they argue, may be violating existing court orders and development control regulations.

Environmental groups are calling on the FCT Administration to review recent allocations, halt further encroachment and restore green spaces where possible.

They insist Abuja’s sustainability depends on strict adherence to the original Master Plan rather than short-term revenue interests.

As Nigeria’s capital continues to expand, stakeholders warn that the loss of green infrastructure could inflict long-term ecological and social damage and undermine the city’s livability for future generations.

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The Oyo State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have called on residents to adopt sustainable waste management habits, particularly by reusing and repurposing textiles to protect the environment.

The appeal was made during this year’s World Clean-Up Day celebration in Ibadan, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Economy.”

The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Seun Ashamu, urged citizens, especially market traders, to sort their waste properly and support recycling initiatives.

Ashamu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and warned that violators would face sanctions.

He stressed that the initiative aims not only to commemorate the global event but also to raise awareness of the dangers of textile and fashion waste.

UNICEF’s Director of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Mr. Monday Johnson, highlighted that textiles are a major contributor to pollution and urged residents to adopt responsible clothing consumption and disposal habits.

Similarly, Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan, represented by Dr. Deborah Adeyemi, emphasized that adopting a circular economy model is vital for tackling textile waste.

The Chairman of the Oyo State House Committee on Environment and Ecology, Rahman Olorunpoto, also commended the ministry’s efforts and reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to promoting a clean and sustainable environment.

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The Lagos State Government has announced plans to decommission major landfills that have exceeded their lifespan as part of a renewed effort to enhance waste management and promote environmental sustainability.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Wednesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter) following a meeting with all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area chairmen.

Wahab said the move aligns with the state’s strategy to build a cleaner, flood-free Lagos through stronger coordination between state and local authorities.

“We are decommissioning landfills like Olusosun and Solous 3 that have outlived their usefulness, while ensuring that functional ones like Epe remain active and efficient,” he said.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, was attended by senior government officials, including the Commissioners for Transportation and Local Government Affairs, the Secretary to the State Government, and heads of agencies.

Wahab stressed that environmental management must begin at the grassroots, urging local councils to strengthen waste collection, community sensitisation, and enforcement against indiscriminate dumping.

He also reiterated that the ban on street trading remains in force, warning that environmental violations must be handled firmly.

“The state is investing in resilient drainage and flood control infrastructure, and local governments must replicate this commitment in their respective communities,” he added.

Wahab emphasized that environmental sustainability is a shared duty requiring joint action across all tiers of government.

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Environmental experts have called on Nigeria’s policymakers to prioritise the creation of urban green spaces to restore ecological balance and improve public well-being.

Biologist Lucky Atabo, in a statement to The PUNCH, urged authorities to integrate native vegetation and green zones into city planning. His 10-month study of a 50×50m biological garden revealed 42 bird species, over 100 butterflies and moths, and several reptiles thriving within urban areas — proving that cities can sustain rich biodiversity.

Atabo’s research, alongside ecologist Abdulsalam Abdullahi, showed that vegetation and climate conditions strongly influence urban wildlife diversity, suggesting that birds and butterflies can serve as indicators of ecosystem health.

He stressed that green spaces are vital for regulating microclimates, supporting pollination, and enhancing recreation, warning that neglecting them could worsen urban living conditions.

“Urban biodiversity isn’t just about nature; it’s about people,” Atabo said, urging governments to protect and expand green areas for sustainable, liveable Nigerian cities.

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Kano State has achieved a historic milestone, climbing from 35th position last year to 4th place in Nigeria’s 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking, one of the most remarkable improvements ever recorded in the country’s climate governance history.

The leap highlights the visionary leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose administration has made environmental sustainability and climate resilience key priorities in its development agenda.

Under Governor Yusuf, Kano has launched several ambitious initiatives, including the Kano State Climate Change Policy, renewable energy deployment across public institutions, urban greening and beautification under the Urban Renewal Program, and large-scale afforestation and erosion control projects.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the ranking in Abuja, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, who represented the Governor, said the recognition reflects Kano’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development and sound environmental management.

At the event, Samantha Harrison, First Secretary for Climate Diplomacy at the British High Commission, Abuja, presented the certificate of recognition to the Kano State Government for its outstanding progress.

Governor Yusuf extended his gratitude to Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Department of Climate Change for their ongoing collaboration. He also commended the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), the University of Bristol (UK), and the UK-FCDO PACE partnership for their roles in driving the national ranking initiative.

Yusuf dedicated the achievement to the people and government of Kano State, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to build a cleaner, greener, and more climate-resilient future for all.

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