From Refuse to Reform: OGWAMA Drives Ogun’s Environmental Revival Under Akintunde

 

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

A quiet but determined transformation is underway in Ogun State’s environmental sector, as the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) intensifies efforts to tackle long-standing waste challenges and restore cleanliness across the state.

At the centre of this shift is the agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Farouk Akintunde, whose leadership since early 2026 has introduced a more structured and results-driven approach to waste management.

In just a few months, OGWAMA has rolled out a series of coordinated actions aimed at clearing waste backlogs, improving service delivery, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. Across major highways and inner-city roads, residents are beginning to notice a difference, as heaps of refuse that once lined streets are gradually being cleared.

The agency’s clean-up operations have focused on key urban centres, including Abeokuta and surrounding communities, where waste accumulation had become a persistent concern. These efforts have not only improved sanitation but also enhanced the overall appearance of public spaces.

Alongside the clean-up exercise, OGWAMA has stepped up enforcement of environmental laws. Authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping, leading to arrests and prosecutions of offenders. Working closely with relevant security agencies, the authority is sending a clear message that indiscriminate waste disposal—especially in drainage channels and on road medians—will no longer be tolerated

However, the agency’s approach goes beyond enforcement. OGWAMA is also pursuing reforms designed to modernise waste management in Ogun State. This includes strengthening partnerships with Private Sector Participants (PSPs) and recyclers to improve efficiency and ensure a more sustainable system.

A major component of this reform agenda is the Blue Box Initiative, which encourages households to separate recyclable waste from general refuse. By promoting waste sorting at the source, the programme aims to reduce landfill pressure while creating opportunities for recycling and job creation.

In a further push for innovation, OGWAMA is exploring collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The proposed partnership is expected to introduce research-based solutions into the state’s waste management framework, helping to address challenges with data-driven strategies.

Internally, the agency has also focused on improving its operations. Regular engagements with waste contractors and staff have been introduced, alongside clear performance targets for 2026. Worker welfare has received renewed attention, boosting morale within the system.

One of the most notable achievements under the current leadership is the rehabilitation of critical equipment. More than ten waste trucks and compactors that had been out of use for years have now been repaired and returned to service, significantly improving waste evacuation capacity across the state.

Attention has also been given to major dumpsites, including those in Saje and Kurata, where long-standing environmental concerns are being addressed. Residents of Saje, in particular, have welcomed recent interventions such as fumigation and the rehabilitation of access roads leading to the dumpsite.

In addition, the agency has cleared over ₦200 million in outstanding payments owed to PSP operators, a move seen as crucial to restoring confidence and ensuring smoother operations within the sector. Office utility vehicles have also been refurbished to support field activities.

Observers note that these developments mark a clear departure from past challenges that once plagued the authority, including operational inefficiencies and leadership disputes. The renewed alignment within the agency’s governing board is also being credited for the improved coordination now being witnessed.

For many residents, the ongoing changes signal a hopeful shift. While challenges remain, the combination of enforcement, reform, and investment in infrastructure is gradually repositioning waste management in Ogun State as a system that not only addresses sanitation but also supports environmental sustainability and economic growth.

As the state continues on this path, OGWAMA’s evolving strategy offers a model of how focused leadership and practical reforms can turn a persistent public problem into an opportunity for progress.