The Lagos State government has taken a significant step toward environmental sustainability by signing three major waste conversion agreements with private companies. The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were announced during the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit held at the Continental Hotel in Victoria Island.
Transforming Waste Management in Lagos
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that the agreements mark a decisive shift from the traditional "pick and dump" approach to a more sustainable waste-to-wealth model. He emphasized that this initiative represents a crucial step in reducing the volume of waste ending up in landfills across the state.
"We are trying to change the culture of seeing waste as waste, but as a resource," Wahab stated during his address to investors and delegates. "We are also working to shift people's mindsets from practices that have persisted for decades."
Details of the Three Agreements
The first agreement involves HAK Waste Limited, which will establish a circular beverage container recycling and recovery system. This initiative will operate through a deposit refund mechanism anchored in the Extended Producer's Responsibility Mechanism (EPRM), reflecting investor confidence in the state's waste reduction policies.
The second MoU was signed with Haggai Logistics Limited, which plans to build a first-of-its-kind tyre recycling plant in Lagos. The facility will process end-of-life tyres using fully automated waste tyre recycling technology and environmentally sound recycling methods.
The third agreement involves Mondo 4 Africa, which will convert non-recyclable plastic waste into sustainable fuel and other valuable resources using eco-friendly technology.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, stressed that neither the state government nor LAWMA alone can manage the large volume of solid waste generated daily in Lagos. He emphasized the critical need for private sector collaboration to successfully turn waste into wealth.
Wahab reiterated the state's commitment to continuous public sensitization on waste sorting at the source, urging residents to begin viewing waste as a resource rather than refuse. He noted that the government is simultaneously addressing key financial and environmental challenges, particularly those related to Lagos's vulnerability as a coastal state.
Company executives present at the event expressed appreciation for the opportunity and pledged their support to help Lagos State achieve its waste-to-wealth objectives. The event was also attended by several top government officials including the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, and permanent secretaries from various environmental offices.
