SANWO-OLU HIGHLIGHTS WASTE-TO-WEALTH OPPORTUNITIES AT LAGOS WASTE FORUM

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, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, highlighted the importance of addressing the state’s waste challenges while identifying them as opportunities for innovation and economic growth.

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 maximizing 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 prioritize recycling, composting, and reuse, significantly reducing waste sent to landfills.”

Dr. Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s dedication to initiatives like Adopt-A-Bin, 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.

Earlier in his welcome address, Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum, commended the collaborative efforts of government agencies, private sector operators, and civil society organisations, which had become hallmarks of the forum since its inception in 2018, adding that the forum remained a flagship event on Lagos’ environmental calendar, fostering partnerships and actionable solutions for sustainable waste management.

Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Company, in her goodwill message, emphasised Coca-Cola’s commitment to building a better tomorrow through impactful actions.

She highlighted the company’s dedication to fostering positive change within communities, ecosystems, and economies in Lagos and across Nigeria, reiterating their determination to ensure all bottles and cans produced were recycled and reused, reflecting their goal of leaving a lasting, positive footprint on the world.

The event featured notable industry leaders and stakeholders, including Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager LASEPA; 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; Mrs. Oluchi Odimko, Head of Sectoral and Regulatory Affairs at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; and senior management staff of LAWMA among others.