LEE Group Donates 100 Smart Bins to LAWMA, Pledges Support for Circular Economy Drive

LEE Group Donates 100 Smart Bins to LAWMA, Pledges Support for Circular Economy Drive

By Folashade Kadiri

In a notable step towards advancing environmental sustainability and promoting a circular economy in Lagos, Lee Group of Companies Limited has donated 100 smart bins to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). The donation was made during a courtesy visit by the company to LAWMA’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa.

The donation marks a deepening of collaboration between both organisations, as they agreed to partner on initiatives aimed at fostering a circular economy and encouraging responsible waste management across the state.

Speaking during the visit, the Operations Manager of Lee Group, Abiola Akerele, noted that the company operates a recycling plant and sought LAWMA’s support in securing official accreditation. He revealed that the company had previously procured and distributed LAWMA’s smart bins to residents as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts towards achieving a cleaner Lagos.

Akerele also disclosed plans to acquire an additional 100 smart bins, with a request for LAWMA’s assistance in distributing them to public institutions, including schools and hospitals, to support the state’s growing recycling initiative.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Lee Group, Tunji Lawal Solarin, stated that the company was inspired to take action following a recent interview by LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin. “The interview struck a chord with us. We are fully committed to supporting LAWMA’s mission for a cleaner Lagos,” Solarin said. “Beyond formal engagements, we believe in genuine partnerships and proactive stakeholder collaboration to build the circular economy infrastructure Lagos needs.”

He pledged the company’s continued support for LAWMA’s initiatives, particularly in establishing recycling collection centres across the state.

LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, expressed profound gratitude for the donation and the collaborative spirit of Lee Group. “I appreciate that someone is listening and responding to our call to action. Today is a heartwarming day because the seeds we planted are bearing fruit,” he remarked.

Dr. Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s vision for every Lagos household to own at least two bins—one for recyclables and one for general waste. In areas with high population density, he noted that LAWMA plans to deploy communal recycling bins and establish more collection centres, particularly around markets. This strategy, he said, would reduce the need for landfills, which pose significant environmental and health risks.

He further encouraged Lee Group to remain steadfast in its commitment to the circular economy initiative, emphasizing its vast potential. “The circular economy in Lagos is a $2.5 billion opportunity waiting to be unlocked by the private sector,” he said. “Our goal is to create community recycling centres where residents can drop off recyclables, be educated, and see the value in waste.”

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both organisations, including LAWMA’s Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi; Lee Group’s General Manager, Niyi Shogbamu; Head of Circular Economy and Waste Management, Faluyi Ibukun; and members of LAWMA’s management team.