Sanwo-Olu urges stakeholders to explore opportunities in waste management

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged stakeholders to harness the economic potential of waste materials as the state intensifies efforts to address environmental challenges.

The governor made the call at the fifth edition of the Lagos Waste Forum, themed ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability’, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Rotimi Akodu, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the need to vieLagos’ waste challenge as an avenue for innovation and economic growth.

“With a population exceeding 20 million, Lagos generates over 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily. This presents a unique opportunity to create jobs, build businesses, and promote sustainability. The green economy is a goldmine waiting to be unlocked,” he said.

He outlined the state’s efforts in waste management, including the promotion of recycling hubs, public awareness campaigns, and advanced technologies such as waste-to-energy conversion.

“Through the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and strategic partnerships, we are maximising resource recovery to ease the burden on landfills. These initiatives support our sustainability goals while creating jobs, particularly for the youth,” he added.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in his remarks, reiterated that waste challenges also presented economic opportunities.

“LAWMA’s commitment to innovation and collaboration is evident in our partnership with Ghana’s Jospong Group to establish Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These integrated systems will focus on recycling, composting, and reuse, significantly reducing landfill waste,” he said.

Gbadegesin also highlighted initiatives such as the Adopt-A-Bin programme, introduction of smart bins, and public-private partnerships as key strategies aligned with a circular economy.

“Transforming waste into wealth not only creates economic opportunities but also reduces pollution and fosters sustainability. I challenge stakeholders to design actionable plans to propel Lagos and Nigeria towards a sustainable future,” he added.

President of the Lagos Waste Forum, Obuesi Phillips, commended the collaborative efforts of government agencies, private operators, and civil society organisations, describing the forum as a flagship event since its inception in 2018.

Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Company, Mrs Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, in her goodwill message, emphasised Coca-Cola’s commitment to recycling and environmental sustainability, pledging to ensure all bottles and cans produced by the company were reused.

Other dignitaries at the event included the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Babatunde Ajayi; ILO Coordinator for Just Transition and Green Jobs, Mr Stephen Agugua; Executive Director of LAWMA, Mr Kunle Adebiyi; and National Programme Coordinator at UNIDO, Dr Oluyomi Banjo.

The forum featured discussions on innovative solutions for sustainable waste management and fostering a green economy.