On Monday, the Lagos State Government and JONSPONG, a Ghanaian Waste Management company, officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at addressing the management of solid and liquid waste within the state.
The MOU, which saw participation from Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, and Executive Chairman of JOSPONG Group, Dr. Joseph Agyepong, outlines plans to establish a Material Recovery Facility. This facility intends to alleviate downstream pressure on landfills by managing waste more efficiently.
Additionally, the agreement entails the implementation of Compact/Mobile Transfer loading stations to replace existing stationary plants. This measure aims to alleviate waste accumulation at critical points such as markets.
During the event, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab emphasized the significance of the MOU, highlighting it as a pivotal step towards revolutionizing waste management practices in Lagos State. He acknowledged the substantial waste generated by Lagos’ burgeoning population, vibrant markets, and dynamic industries, underscoring the need for innovative and sustainable waste management solutions.
Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to confronting the challenges posed by waste management, stressing that it is the duty of the government to secure the city’s future by addressing these issues proactively.
He further emphasized the importance of partnering with the Jospong Group, renowned for its expertise in environmental and waste management services across Africa. The collaboration signifies a significant stride towards fulfilling the government’s pledge to enhance the quality of life for all Lagosians through effective waste management strategies.
The Commissioner emphasized that the partnership between the two entities will lead to the development of integrated solid and liquid waste management facilities, capable of not only addressing the current demands of the city but also anticipating the needs of its expanding population.
He outlined the collaborative efforts, focusing on technology, advocacy, enforcement, and the promotion of circular economy innovations such as recycling, composting, reuse, and waste-to-energy projects. These endeavors are deemed essential for reducing the environmental impact of waste, generating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable development across Lagos.
Reiterating the commitment to effective waste management, the Commissioner highlighted the necessity of dedication, innovation, and collaboration, underscoring the potential for wise management to positively impact both the economic and environmental well-being of the city.
In his remarks, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, stressed that environmental sanitation is not merely a matter of convenience but a fundamental aspect of public health, as outlined by Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 of Clean Water & Sanitation. He lamented the plight of millions suffering due to inadequate access to infrastructure, proper sanitation facilities, and water treatment facilities.
Dr. Agyepong referenced a report by the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), revealing that the state produces approximately 13,000 tons of waste per day, with Jospong’s primary focus being downstream waste management rather than waste collection. He assured waste collectors of support through equipment provisions to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency.
Furthermore, Dr. Agyepong pledged to supply 2000 Tricycles to bolster the efforts of the Association of Waste Managers in Lagos regarding waste collection. He emphasized that the collaboration with the Lagos State Government, through its agencies such as Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), aims to significantly improve waste management practices across the state.
In his welcome address, Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, highlighted Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, noting the challenges posed by population influx, environmental pollution, and waste management issues. These concerns, he emphasized, are of utmost importance to the administration.
“With the Memorandum of Understanding we are signing today, I believe it is a new dawn for the City of Lagos and in no time we will have issues related to solid waste management becoming a history. I very much look forward to seeing fruits of our collaboration, for a clean and healthier Lagos” he said
The event also saw the presence of notable figures, including Lagos State Commissioners for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, along with Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Honorable Taiwo Afinnih, and Chairman of the Committee on Environment Parastatal, Honorable Rasheed Shabi. Additionally, Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Abdulkabir Ogungbo, and various stakeholders from Ghana and the financial sector attended the gathering.
