Lagos State Government Partners with Dutch Company to Establish E-Waste Smelter Plant

Lagos State Government Partners with Dutch Company to Establish E-Waste Smelter Plant

Lagos, Nigeria - July 5, 2024:** The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step in managing the vast deposits of electronic waste within the state by signing a Letter of Intent with "Close the Loop BV," a Netherlands-based company. This partnership aims to establish an e-waste smelter plant in Lagos, which is expected to create new jobs and boost the local economy through the conversion of e-waste into valuable products.

During the signing ceremony held at the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the economic benefits and environmental significance of the project. He noted that the presence of the Netherlands Consul General, Mr. Michel Deleen, signifies a vote of confidence in "Close the Loop BV."

Mr. Wahab highlighted the often-overlooked issue of electronic waste and praised Lagos for taking a proactive approach. He explained that improper disposal of electronic products leads to pollution, with e-waste often ending up in landfills, being incinerated, or exported to developing countries for recycling. The new smelter plant will mitigate these issues by processing e-waste locally.

"Lagos generates 13,000 tons of waste daily, with one-third going to waste-to-wealth initiatives, another third to electronic waste, and the remainder to energy production," said Wahab. He urged residents to take ownership of their environment by avoiding improper waste disposal and reporting issues to the authorities.

Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, expressed the state's readiness to collaborate with "Close the Loop BV" to address e-waste management effectively. He underscored that the initiative aligns with the state's broader waste-to-wealth and waste-to-energy projects.

Netherlands Consul General, Mr. Michel Deleen, commended Lagos for its proactive measures in environmental management, citing the quick resolution of recent flash floods as an example. He reiterated the Netherlands' commitment to collaborating with Lagos in turning waste into valuable resources, emphasizing that this partnership addresses a global issue.

Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its mutual benefits.

**Contact:**

Kunle Adeshina

Director, Public Affairs

Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

**Photos:**

1. Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab hands over the signed Letter of Intent to Lebene Ledi of "Close the Loop BV," with Consul General Michel Deleen and Special Adviser Rotimi Akodu in attendance.

2. Commissioner Wahab signing the Letter of Intent, flanked by Consul General Deleen and Special Adviser Akodu.

3. Group photo with Consul General Deleen, Partner Lebene Ledi, Commissioner Wahab, Special Adviser Akodu, and other officials.

For more information, please contact the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.