The Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State (AREDOLS) has petitioned the Lagos State House of Assembly over levies and penalties imposed by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on construction materials.
The developers alleged that LAWMA had wrongly classified materials such as planks and derricks as construction waste, despite their use in building projects and potential for recycling. In a petition dated August 10, AREDOLS urged the lawmakers to intervene and direct the waste management agency to review its classification of the materials.
The petition, signed by AREDOLS Chairman, Kamil Shodeinde, and General Secretary, Ahmod Olukotun, was titled: ‘Urgent Petition on LAWMA’s Neglect of Its Primary Responsibility on Domestic Waste Management and Misclassification of Construction Materials as Waste.’
The association argued that the classification had created additional financial pressure for property developers and prospective homeowners.
AREDOLS maintained that planks, derricks and other materials used on construction sites should not automatically be regarded as waste.
According to the developers, several of the materials classified as construction waste are recyclable and remain useful in building activities. The association therefore called on the Lagos Assembly to investigate LAWMA’s approach and determine whether the agency was properly carrying out its responsibility for domestic waste management.
It also questioned the categorisation of waste into domestic, medical and industrial categories, arguing that each required different methods of handling and disposal. AREDOLS said the classification of reusable construction materials as waste had resulted in levies and penalties that ultimately increased the cost of construction.
The association stated: “We wish to state categorically that these items are recyclable materials used for construction purposes and not waste in the ordinary sense.” It added that the alleged misclassification and accompanying charges were imposing an additional burden on developers and end users.
The developers said the situation could further worsen the affordability of housing across Lagos, where construction costs were already a major concern for developers and home buyers. They consequently urged the House of Assembly to review LAWMA’s classification of construction materials and address what they described as unnecessary financial burdens. AREDOLS also called for greater attention to domestic waste management across the state.
The association said a clearer distinction between genuine waste and reusable construction materials would help prevent unnecessary charges while supporting the development of the housing sector. The petition places the issue before the Lagos State legislature as developers seek clarification over the scope of LAWMA’s waste-management responsibilities and the charges imposed on construction activities.
