Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has unveiled a household-focused used cooking oil collection initiative to curb pollution, improve public health and create economic opportunities across the state. The initiative was launched by LASEPA in collaboration with Ororo Waste Management with support from Shell Foundation.

The programme establishes dedicated collection points for household used cooking oil across all LASEPA zonal offices and local councils in Lagos with the goal to turn domestic waste into a catalyst for economic empowerment.

Speaking at the launch, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunji Ajayi, stated that the initiative is designed to tap into a global supply chain that remains largely underutilized in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Cooking forms a vital part of the global supply chain, and by formalizing the collection of used cooking, we are positioned to unlock a market valued at a minimum of $20 million,” Ajayi noted.

“Lagos ranks very high in terms of consumption and waste generation; therefore, this initiative is a deliberate effort to improve environmental protection and the lifestyle of our people. This starts at the household level, where citizens can now literally make money from their waste.”

Ajayi highlighted the environmental hazards of improper disposal, noting that oil spills on land and water severely degrade the ecosystem. “We don’t want used cooking oil ending up in our drainages, where it causes blockages and pollution. Our mandate is to manage pollution, but we are shifting our strategy from enforcement to voluntary compliance. By unlocking this value chain, we empower businesses and citizens alike.”

He also noted that Nigeria currently ranks as a leader in Africa for used cooking oil collection potential, expressing hope that by the end of the year, the state would see substantial traction, with the youth serving as the vanguard of the movement.

In a technical presentation, the MD/Project Lead of Ororo Waste Management, Mr. Ayo Banjo, explained that the Kiosk Initiative creates an ecosystem where environmental sustainability and public health meet. “We have created a system where people are rewarded adequately for their waste.

This allows for meaningful conversations with the global market while focusing on personal impact, where everyday people can earn extra income. This is monumental; it is a step that will go down in history as a turning point for waste management in Nigeria.”

Director of the LASEPA Zonal Directorate, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, pledged the full cooperation of the agency’s 21 zonal offices. “We all know the dangers of poorly managed oil. Our zonal offices will not be sidelined; we will provide optimal support to ensure these collection points are accessible to every Lagosian.”

Also, Director of Partnership, Grants, and Innovation, Mrs. Olabisi Shonibare, described the project as a testament to the Lagos State Governor’s agenda. “Most people want to recycle, but collection is often the bottleneck. LASEPA is bridging that gap. We are moving toward a zero waste Lagos,” she said.