A Bold Step Towards a Zero-Waste Future
In a move to address Lagos State’s waste management crisis, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lafarge Africa PLC to utilize non-recyclable combustible waste as an alternative fuel source.
This strategic partnership is part of the government’s broader agenda to reduce landfill waste, promote environmental sustainability, and achieve a circular economy.
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Under the agreement, Lafarge Africa will collect and process non-recyclable waste from companies and landfill sites across Lagos before diverting it to its Ewekoro Plant for use as fuel in its production process.
The development was announced by Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, via X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
Wahab described the initiative as a significant step towards a zero-waste future for Lagos State, adding that it will help reduce the pressure on landfills and create a more sustainable waste management system.
A Sustainable Approach Applauded by Environmentalists
Unlike previous instances where waste-related policies resulted in outright bans that negatively impacted businesses, this initiative has been widely praised for striking a balance between environmental responsibility and economic sustainability.
Environmentalists note that such partnerships offer a more pragmatic and effective approach to waste management than restrictive policies that could stifle industrial activities. Lagos is demonstrating how sustainability and economic growth can coexist by incorporating waste into industrial fuel sourcing.
Key Benefits of the Lagos-Lafarge Partnership
According to the Lagos State Government, this collaboration will bring several crucial benefits, including providing a sustainable and reliable fuel source for Lafarge’s production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and integrating waste collection with energy production to cut landfill costs and reduce fuel expenses.
The initiative also aligns with local and international environmental policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supports the state’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by top government officials and corporate executives, highlighting the project’s importance. Key attendees included Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, CEO of Lafarge Africa PLC; Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser on Environment; Dr. Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services; Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services; Mrs. Adetoun Popoola, General Manager of LASPARK; Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani, Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation; and Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager of LASWAMO.
Lagos’ Expanding Waste Management Initiatives
This partnership with Lafarge Africa is one of several recent collaborations aimed at overhauling Lagos’ waste management system. In recent months, the Lagos State Government has entered into agreements with international firms to develop innovative waste solutions, including partnerships with Dutch companies, Closing the Loop and Harvest Waste Consortium, for landfill decommissioning, waste-to-energy conversion, and electronic waste management.
The state is also working with Ghana-based Jospong Group, which plans to transform collected waste into compost fertilizers and plastic bins, with operations expected to begin within six to seven months. In addition, Lagos is exploring collaborations with Swedish organizations to convert both solid and liquid waste into energy, further reinforcing its commitment to alternative energy sources.
In October 2024, Lagos signed a Letter of Intent with GreenDeal Chemicals & Recycling and Greenback Recycling Technologies Ltd to launch a plastic waste-to-energy initiative at the decommissioned Abule Egba landfill. This pilot project aims to reduce plastic waste and convert it into energy through advanced chemical recycling, supporting the state’s circular economy goals.