In a major move to transform waste management, the Lagos State Government over the weekend signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading private companies, marking a shift from traditional “pick-and-dump” practices to sustainable waste-to-wealth solutions.
The agreements were announced during the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit at Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, which featured expert-led panel discussions on environmental sustainability and climate action.
Innovative Waste Management Partnerships
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing landfill waste and promoting a circular economy.
The three new MoUs include:
- HAK Waste Limited – Establishing a circular beverage container recycling and recovery system through a deposit refund scheme, aligned with Lagos’ Extended Producer Responsibility Mechanism (EPRM). This initiative aims to create a packaging circularity ecosystem.
- Haggai Logistics Limited – Developing the first fully automated tyre recycling plant in the state to process end-of-life tyres using environmentally sound technologies.
- Mondo 4 Africa – Converting non-recyclable plastic waste into sustainable fuel and other valuable resources using eco-friendly technologies.
“We are changing the culture from seeing waste as waste to seeing waste as a valuable resource, while shifting mindsets built over decades,” Wahab said.
Collaboration for Environmental Impact
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, highlighted the need for private sector collaboration, noting that the volume of waste generated daily in Lagos cannot be managed by the government alone.
“Turning waste into wealth requires innovative partnerships. These MoUs demonstrate the private sector’s confidence in Lagos’ policies and commitment to sustainable environmental solutions,” Gbadegesin stated.
The companies involved expressed willingness to work closely with the government to actualize the state’s waste-to-wealth vision.
Promoting Waste Sorting and Public Awareness
Wahab emphasized the importance of household-level waste sorting, urging residents to adopt responsible waste habits.
“Proper financing, private sector partnerships, and community engagement are key to managing waste sustainably in Lagos, especially given our status as a coastal state vulnerable to environmental challenges,” he added.
Key Takeaways
- Lagos is moving towards circular economy models in waste management.
- Public-private partnerships are central to turning waste into resources.
- The initiatives include recycling beverage containers, tyres, and non-recyclable plastics.
- Community awareness and waste sorting are critical components of sustainable waste practices.
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