Lagos waste crisis: Sanwo-Olu appoints Akinyemi as acting LAWMA MD

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed Olajuwon Akinyemi as the acting Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA. This comes after a major restructuring of the agency, which also saw Dr Tijani Olorunwa appointed as acting Director of Operations, and Kunle Adebiyi retaining his position as Executive Director, Finance.

A source within LAWMA said the governor approved a comprehensive reorganization, including transfers of several senior officers to other departments in the Lagos State public service. The aim is to improve service delivery and address waste management challenges that threaten residents' health and well-being. The source explained that officers on Salary Grade Levels 13-17 were redeployed to the mainstream Civil Service, Local Governments, and Local Council Development Areas, while personnel in LAWMA's Legal Department were excluded to avoid disruptions in legal proceedings and concession agreements.

Heads of specific divisions were also exempted for 90 days to allow for stabilisation and uninterrupted operations under the new management. The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy confirmed Akinyemi's appointment, stating he has been directed to assume the role as acting MD immediately.