Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged stakeholders to harness the economic and environmental opportunities presented by waste management to drive innovation, create jobs, and promote sustainability. Speaking at the 5th Lagos Waste Forum held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, the governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, highlighted the transformative potential of the state’s waste challenges.
“With a population exceeding 20 million, Lagos generates over 13,000 metric tons of waste daily. However, we see this challenge as an opportunity to innovate, create jobs, build businesses, and promote sustainability. The green economy is a goldmine waiting to be unlocked,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability,” the forum brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for waste reduction, recycling, and adopting circular economy principles.
Governor Sanwo-Olu outlined Lagos State’s progressive steps in waste management, including:
– Establishing recycling hubs.
– Launching public awareness campaigns.
– Exploring advanced technologies such as waste-to-energy conversion.
Through the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and strategic collaborations, Lagos has prioritized resource recovery to alleviate the strain on landfills and create jobs, particularly for the youth.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, emphasized the importance of innovation and partnerships in achieving environmental sustainability. He noted, “LAWMA is committed to initiatives like Adopt-A-Bin, the introduction of smart bins, and collaborations such as the one with Ghana’s Jospong Group to establish Material Recovery Facilities. These efforts will significantly reduce waste sent to landfills.”
Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Coca-Cola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, emphasizing the need for recycling and reuse of materials. “We are determined to leave a lasting, positive footprint by fostering positive change within Lagos’ ecosystems and economies,” she stated.
Other contributors, including Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, and representatives from the ILO and UNIDO, reiterated the need for public-private partnerships and international collaboration to advance Nigeria’s waste management agenda.
Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum, lauded the collaborative efforts of government agencies, private sector operators, and civil society, which have driven the forum’s success since its inception in 2018.
He called on stakeholders to design actionable plans to propel Lagos and Nigeria toward a sustainable future, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
The Lagos Waste Forum remains a flagship event, fostering partnerships and actionable solutions for a cleaner, greener, and economically vibrant Lagos.