Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on stakeholders to leverage opportunities presented by waste materials for wealth creation.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 5th edition of the Lagos Waste Forum on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Lagos.
The theme of the forum was “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, Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of addressing the state’s waste challenges.
According to him, there should be a paradigm shift in the way waste is seen by identifying them as opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
“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.
He said that Lagos was intentional in taking bold steps to lead in waste management by promoting recycling hubs, launching public awareness campaigns, and exploring advanced technologies such as waste-to-energy conversion.
“Through the efforts of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and strategic partnerships, we are maximising resource recovery to reduce the burden on landfills.
“This not only supports our sustainability goals but also creates jobs, especially for our youths,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that waste was not merely a challenge but an opportunity to be harnessed for economic and environmental benefits.
“LAWMA is committed to innovation and collaboration, as demonstrated by our partnership with Ghana’s Jospong Group to establish Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
“These integrated systems will prioritise recycling, composting, and reuse, significantly reducing waste sent to landfills,” Gbadegesin said.
He said that LAWMA’s dedication to initiatives like Adopt-A-Bin, introduction of smart bins, and public-private partnerships aligned with the principles of a circular economy.
“Our efforts aim to transform waste into wealth by creating economic opportunities, reducing pollution, and fostering environmental sustainability.
“As we convene today, I challenge every stakeholder here to design actionable plans that will propel Lagos and Nigeria toward a sustainable and prosperous future,” Gbadegesin said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum, commended the collaborative efforts of government agencies, private sector operators, and civil society organisations.
Phillips said that the synergy had become hallmarks of the forum since its inception in 2018.
He added that the forum remained a flagship event on Lagos environmental calendar, fostering partnerships and actionable solutions for sustainable waste management.
Also Mrs Amaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Company, in her goodwill message, emphasised Coca-Cola’s commitment to building a better tomorrow through impactful actions.
Onyemelukwe reiterated the company’s dedication to fostering positive change within communities, ecosystems, and economies in Lagos and across Nigeria.
She reiterated Coca-Cola’s determination to ensure all bottles and cans produced were recycled and reused, reflecting its goal of leaving a lasting, positive footprint on the world.
The event featured industry leaders and stakeholders, including Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager LASEPA; Mr. Stephen Agugua, ILO Coordinator for Just Transition and Green Jobs; and Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of LAWMA.
Others included Dr Oluyomi Banjo, National Programmes Coordinator at UNIDO; and Mrs. Oluchi Odimko, Head of Sectoral and Regulatory Affairs at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
The event also had school children and various stakeholders in the waste value chain in Lagos State.
By Fabian Ekeruche
