LAWMA to establish waste-to-energy plant in Epe, boost recycling efforts

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transitioning from traditional waste management to a modernised circular economy system, with plans to establish a waste-to-energy plant in Epe.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this during a radio interview hosted by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy on Eko FM, Agidingbi, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme ‘War on Waste: Exploring LAWMA’s Vision and Mission,’ Gbadegesin highlighted the authority’s determination to transform waste management across Lagos by integrating innovative practices that maximise resource recovery and job creation.

He revealed that the proposed waste-to-energy plant in Epe would process 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, generating 60 to 80 megawatts of electricity to power critical infrastructure, including the Free Trade Zone, deep sea port, and Dangote Refinery. The Olusosun and Solus-3 landfills would also be converted into material recovery facilities.

“The war on waste aims to discourage indiscriminate dumping and encourage Lagosians to see waste as a valuable resource,” he said. “Materials such as plastics, paper, aluminium cans, and textiles can be recycled, yet less than 10 per cent of waste in Lagos is currently recycled, even with scavenger activities. By embracing green waste management, we can unlock immense economic value, create jobs, and foster sustainability.”

Gbadegesin noted that LAWMA, in partnership with Ghana’s Jospong Group, had laid the groundwork for advanced waste management facilities. He disclosed plans to set up facilities at Ojota and Igando in the next 18 months to separate waste into fractions like organic materials and metals, ensuring minimal landfill use.

Highlighting innovations like the LAWMA Academy, the Adopt-a-Bin initiative, and the involvement of over 400 private sector participants (PSPs) in waste collection, Gbadegesin emphasised the authority’s strides in environmental education and operational efficiency.

“LAWMA Academy has, over three years, educated children and teenagers on waste management, producing environmental ambassadors,” he said. “The Adopt-a-Bin initiative has encouraged proper waste separation at the source, improving PSPs’ collection efficiency. To further support their efforts, the Lagos State Government will add CNG trucks to their fleet.”

Gbadegesin urged residents to adopt eco-friendly waste management practices, adding that a cleaner and sustainable Lagos requires collective responsibility.