The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has taken a significant step in reinforcing its commitment to the welfare of its sanitation workers by presenting financial support cheques to sweepers who sustained injuries while on duty, as well as to the families of deceased sweepers who tragically lost their lives in the course of service. This compassionate gesture was announced by the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, underscoring the Authority’s unwavering dedication to its frontline environmental heroes.
Dr. Gbadegesin, in a public statement, reaffirmed LAWMA’s profound commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of these vital sanitation workers, whom he rightfully described as indispensable figures in maintaining Lagos’s cleanliness and habitability. “Our sanitation workers go to great lengths, often under very risky conditions, to maintain environmental sanity across the state,” he stated, acknowledging the perilous nature of their daily tasks. He emphasized the institutional and moral obligation LAWMA holds to support these workers, especially when accidents or unfortunate incidents occur during their challenging duties. “This gesture is our way of saying: we see you, we value you and we will always stand by you,” Gbadegesin affirmed, articulating the Authority’s deep appreciation.
The financial assistance provided is not an isolated act but an integral part of LAWMA’s comprehensive, structured welfare package designed for all sanitation workers operating under its coverage. This package includes accident compensation, robust insurance schemes, regular health checks, and periodic safety training – all aimed at mitigating the risks associated with their demanding profession. Dr. Gbadegesin further articulated that this initiative aligns seamlessly with LAWMA’s broader commitment to human dignity, social equity, and inclusive governance. He passionately asserted that no sanitation worker should ever be left to suffer in silence or neglect due to work-related hazards, reinforcing the principle that social protection is not merely an option but a fundamental necessity.
“At LAWMA, we believe that social protection is not an option but a necessity. As we work tirelessly to improve the city’s waste management systems, we are equally investing in the people who power that system. Their wellbeing remains central to our mission,” the CEO stated, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between systemic improvements and human capital investment. He also reiterated the critical importance of health and safety practices among sanitation workers, urging them to remain vigilant, particularly when operating in high-traffic areas and during night shifts. Dr. Gbadegesin assured the workforce that LAWMA is continuously upgrading its health and safety protocols to minimize occupational risks. This cheque presentation, he concluded, is but one of several welfare-focused initiatives aimed at institutionalizing a sustainable and dignified work environment for all sanitation personnel across the sprawling metropolis of Lagos State.
 has provided financial support to sweepers injured on duty and families of deceased workers, demonstrating its commitment to the welfare and safety of Lagos sanitation heroes){kind=link}