Experts in environmental management and sustainability have called for the adoption of digitally-driven waste management systems and increased citizen responsibility to tackle Nigeria’s growing waste crisis.
They made the call during the SHEnovation Hackathon 2026 Expert webinar organised by the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
The event which brought together policymakers, engineers and sustainability advocates had the theme: “Environmental Science and Sustainability in Waste Management.”
Delivering a keynote, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), said Nigeria generates about 87,671 tonnes of waste daily, accounting for roughly 2.5 per cent of global waste output.
Gbadegesin was represented by Dr Essien Nsuabia, the Deputy Director, Waste Management, Research & Policy Development, LAWMA.
He said while advanced countries such as Sweden had reduced landfill waste to near zero through conversion technologies, many African cities still struggle to collect only 20 to 30 per cent of their waste.
“About 70 to 80 per cent of waste generated in sub-Saharan African cities remains uncollected, posing serious environmental and public health risks,” he said.
Gbadegesin disclosed that Lagos generates over 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, stressing that traditional waste collection methods are no longer sufficient.
He said LAWMA had begun deploying digitally-enabled waste management systems, including smart bins embedded with Radio Frequency Identification and geotagging technology.
According to him, the system allows real-time monitoring of waste levels, optimises collection routes and ensures accountability in operations.
“With these digital tools, waste collection can be tracked, costs can be monitored, and payments can be tied strictly to work done, eliminating inefficiencies and revenue leakages,” he said.
He added that the initiative was still at a pilot stage but had the potential to significantly improve waste collection efficiency across the state.
Gbadegesin called for collaboration with engineers and innovators to scale the system, emphasising the need for locally-developed technologies, data systems and infrastructure.
Also speaking, Jumoke Olowookere, EcoPreneur and Creative Director, African Creative Sustainable Synergy Hub, urged individuals to take responsibility for waste management through behavioural change.
Olowookere said the average individual generates about 0.5 kilogrammes of waste daily and stressed that sustainable practices must begin at the household level.
“We cannot rely on government alone. Waste is man-made, and everyone generating it must take responsibility for managing it,” she said.
Olowookere highlighted practical solutions including waste segregation, composting and adherence to the “5Rs” principle — reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse and repair, alongside upcycling.
She also advocated home gardening using composted organic waste, warning that excessive chemical use in food production poses health risks.
“Up to 99 per cent of food from conventional markets may contain chemicals. Growing even a portion of your food helps detoxify your system and promotes healthier living,” she said.
Olowookere encouraged participants to view waste as a resource, noting that many discarded materials could be converted into valuable products and income streams.
Earlier, the Chairman, APWEN Lagos Chapter, Mrs Bosede Oyekunle, said the webinar aimed to foster innovation, mentorship and collaboration between professionals and young engineers in developing practical, technology-driven solutions for environmental challenges.
Oyekunle emphasised the role of digital innovation, engineering expertise and grassroots participation in achieving sustainable waste management and national development.
She called for innovation and collaboration to tackle sustainable waste management, describing the session as a platform to drive practical, technology-driven solutions.
Oyekunle reaffirmed Lagos APWEN’s commitment to empowering women engineers and young innovators to develop ideas that address real-world environmental challenges and support national development.
She also urged participants to actively engage with experts and leverage insights shared to inspire sustainable solutions and future-focused innovation.
Dr Olayinka Adewumi, the Chairman Planning Committee SHENovation Hackathon, said the webinar aims to raise awareness on sustainability and waste management.
Adewumi encouraged engineers to critically assess environmental challenges, existing solutions, and areas for improvement.
She said it also seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by fostering job-ready graduates through collaboration and innovation.
Adewumi added that the platform connects students and young innovators with professionals, mentors, and experts, enabling knowledge sharing without physical barriers.
She said the initiative focuses not just on identifying problems but on developing practical solutions, with the Lagos Chapter facilitating meaningful engagement between experienced experts and emerging innovators.
