Sanwo-Olu Advocates Waste-to-Wealth Opportunities at Lagos Waste Forum

Sanwo-Olu Advocates Waste-to-Wealth Opportunities at Lagos Waste Forum

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged stakeholders to harness the economic potential of waste materials to address the state’s environmental challenges. Speaking at the 5th Lagos Waste Forum, themed "Unlocking Nigeria's Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability," the governor underscored the need for innovative approaches to waste management.

The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, attracted policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental stakeholders. Represented by his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos' position as a leader in waste management initiatives, given the state’s daily generation of over 13,000 metric tons of waste.

"With a population exceeding 20 million, Lagos sees waste not as a challenge but as an opportunity," the governor said. "We are leveraging this to create jobs, build businesses, and foster sustainability through green economic strategies."

Sanwo-Olu outlined ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to transform waste into wealth. Initiatives such as promoting recycling hubs, public awareness campaigns, and exploring advanced waste-to-energy technologies are at the forefront of these efforts.

LAWMA's Commitment to Innovation
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to turning waste into an economic asset. He announced LAWMA’s partnership with Ghana’s Jospong Group to establish Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) that focus on recycling, composting, and reuse, reducing landfill dependency.

"Through projects like Adopt-A-Bin, smart bin technology, and public-private collaborations, we are embedding circular economy principles into Lagos' waste management framework," Dr. Gbadegesin said.

He challenged stakeholders to design actionable plans to advance sustainable waste practices, aligning with Lagos’ vision of a cleaner and greener future.

Collaborative Efforts
Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum, lauded the collaboration among government agencies, private operators, and civil society organizations, which he said had defined the forum’s success since its inception in 2018.

Other notable participants included Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Coca-Cola Company, who reiterated the company’s commitment to recycling all bottles and cans. Representatives from UNIDO, MAN, and LASEPA also shared insights on promoting a circular economy and green jobs in Nigeria.

The forum remains a flagship event on Lagos' environmental calendar, driving partnerships and solutions to ensure sustainable waste management in the state and beyond.

For more information on waste management initiatives or to lodge complaints, contact LAWMA toll-free at 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.