Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stakeholders to capitalize on the opportunities presented by waste materials as the state intensifies efforts to address environmental challenges. This appeal was made during the 5th Lagos Waste Forum, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, with the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability.”
Represented by his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ burgeoning population of over 20 million and the resultant generation of over 13,000 metric tons of waste daily. He underscored this challenge as a unique opportunity to drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainability through a green economy.
“The green economy is a goldmine waiting to be unlocked,” he said, citing the state’s initiatives such as promoting recycling hubs, waste-to-energy technologies, and public awareness campaigns to foster resource recovery, create jobs, and alleviate pressure on landfills.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), reinforced the importance of transforming waste into economic opportunities. He detailed LAWMA’s collaborations, including a partnership with Ghana’s Jospong Group to establish Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for recycling, composting, and reuse, aimed at drastically reducing landfill dependency.
He also spotlighted key initiatives like the Adopt-A-Bin program, the introduction of smart bins, and expanded public-private partnerships as foundational pillars of a circular economy in Lagos.
“Our efforts are focused on turning waste into wealth, reducing pollution, and advancing environmental sustainability. I urge stakeholders here to design actionable strategies to propel Lagos and Nigeria toward a sustainable future,” Dr. Gbadegesin stated.
Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum, applauded the sustained collaboration among government agencies, private entities, and civil society groups since the forum’s inception in 2018. He affirmed the forum’s role as a platform for fostering partnerships and delivering practical solutions to Lagos’ waste challenges.
Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Coca-Cola Company, reaffirmed Coca-Cola’s commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the company’s goal to ensure all bottles and cans are recycled and reused, leaving a positive environmental footprint.
The event featured insights from notable figures such as Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA; Mr. Stephen Agugua, ILO Coordinator for Green Jobs; Dr. Oluyomi Banjo, UNIDO’s National Programme Coordinator; and leaders from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and LAWMA.
For information on Lagos’ waste management initiatives or to report complaints, residents can contact LAWMA toll-free at 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
