Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lafarge Africa Plc for collection of non-recyclable combustible wastes from landfill sites and all locations, including Lafarge Africa’s Ewekoro Plant in Ogun State.
The ceremony, held at the Lagos State Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources Conference Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday, aimed at achieving zero waste at landfill sites across the state.
The state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who signed on behalf of the state government, described the initiative as a welcome development towards tackling the waste challenges in the state.
He noted that Lagos State generates between 13,000 and 15,000 tonnes of waste a day, reiterating the state government’s determination to continually pay special attention to wastes’ conversion in the state.
According to him, the collaboration between Lagos State and Lafarge Africa will help to achieve the ultimate objective of a zero waste situation and reduce the quantum of the quantity of wastes that end up at the landfill sites across the state.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said that with the signing of the MoU, Lafarge Africa intends to collect wastes from companies and Lagos State dumpsites and divert them to the Ewekoro Plant as an alternative fuel for production, adding that managing wastes effectively was critical to environmental stewardship, community wellbeing and long-term economic development.
He said that the partnership would strengthen Lafarge Africa’s leadership in sustainable construction and climate action, as well as provide an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to sustainable waste management in Nigeria.
He further said that the MoU’s benefits are wide-ranging, including the availability of reliable alternative fuel sources, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and alignment with ESG goals.
Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in his remarks, noted that the partnership would address waste issues, stressing that the state will surely tell a remarkable story not just for the African continent, but for the entire world.
Also, Head of Geocycle, Lafarge Africa Plc, Daniel Adedokun, noted that the idea was mooted in 2014, stressing that partnership will strengthen Lafarge Africa’s leadership in sustainable construction and climate action.
