…Tokunbo Wahab leads the charge for Sustainable Waste Management
In a major boost to the state’s environmental sustainability efforts, the Lagos State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lafarge Africa Plc on [Date] for the collection of non-recyclable combustible wastes from landfill sites and various other locations, including Lafarge Africa’s Ewekoro Plant in Ogun State.
The signing ceremony took place at the Lagos State Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources Conference Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, where Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, signed on behalf of the state government. Speaking at the event, Wahab described the initiative as a welcome development in tackling the escalating waste challenges faced by Lagos State.
“With Lagos generating between 13,000 and 15,000 tonnes of waste daily, our collaboration with Lafarge Africa is a critical step towards achieving a zero waste situation. This partnership will significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up at landfill sites, thereby protecting our environment and promoting sustainable development,” Wahab stated.
The MoU is designed to streamline the collection of non-recyclable combustible wastes from Lagos dumpsites and other areas, diverting them to Lafarge Africa’s Ewekoro Plant where the waste will be repurposed as an alternative fuel for production. The innovative approach is expected to not only improve waste management practices but also provide reliable alternative fuel sources, enhance cost efficiency, and ensure compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, remarked, “Managing waste effectively is critical to environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and long-term economic development. This partnership strengthens our leadership in sustainable construction and climate action, and we are proud to contribute meaningfully to sustainable waste management in Nigeria.”
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership would address pressing waste issues in Lagos and set an example not only for Africa but for the world. “The integration of waste management initiatives like these will help tell a remarkable story of transformation in our state,” he said.
Daniel Adedokun, Head of Geocycle at Lafarge Africa Plc, added that the concept of this partnership was first mooted in 2014. “Today, we are taking a giant leap forward in realizing that vision. By harnessing the power of collaboration, we can effectively manage waste and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Lagos,” he explained.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in Lagos State’s commitment to environmental sustainability and sets the stage for innovative waste-to-energy projects across the state. By leveraging public-private partnerships, the government aims to create a more efficient and sustainable waste management system, which is integral to its broader goal of achieving a zero waste environment.
As Lagos continues its journey towards sustainable urban development, initiatives like this underscore the state’s proactive approach in addressing environmental challenges. With the support of key stakeholders and the leadership of figures like Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos is well on its way to setting a benchmark for sustainable waste management in Nigeria and beyond.