SANWO-OLU HIGHLIGHTS WASTE-TO-WEALTH OPPORTUNITIES AT LAGOS WASTE FORUM
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The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on stakeholders to maximise opportunities presented by waste materials, as the state tackles its environmental challenges. He made this call at the 5th edition of the Lagos Waste Forum, themed: “Unlocking
Nigeria’s Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability”, which brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr. Rotimi Akodu, his Special Adviser on Environment, emphasized the significance of tackling the state’s trash issues while recognizing them as chances for economic development and innovation.
He said, “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”.
The governor explained how Lagos has taken 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 youth”,
he added.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasised that waste was not merely a challenge but an opportunity to be harnessed for economic and environmental benefits.
He said, “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”.
Dr. Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s dedication to initiatives like Adopt-A-Bin, the introduction of smart bins, and public-private partnerships, which 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”, he said.
The Lagos Waste Forum’s president, Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, had earlier in his welcome speech praised the cooperation of government agencies, businesspeople, and civil society organizations, which had become the forum’s defining characteristics since its founding in 2018. He also said that the forum continued to be a premier event on Lagos’ environmental calendar, promoting collaborations and practical solutions for sustainable waste management.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at the Coca-Cola Company, emphasized the company’s dedication to taking meaningful steps to create a brighter tomorrow.
In order to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world, she emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting positive change in Lagos and throughout Nigeria’s communities, ecosystems, and economies. She also reaffirmed their resolve to make sure that all bottles and cans produced were recycled and reused.
Among the prominent industry leaders and participants at the event were Mrs. Oluchi Odimko, Head of Sectoral and Regulatory Affairs at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Mr. Stephen Agugua, ILO Coordinator for Just Transition and Green Jobs; Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of LAWMA; Dr. Oluyomi Banjo, National Programme Coordinator at UNIDO; and Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA.
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