5th Lagos Waste Forum: Sanwo-Olu Recommends Sustainable Waste Management
Sanwo-Olu Recommends Sustainable Waste Management.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on stakeholders to unlock the economic potential in waste management as the state continues to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, at the 5th Lagos Waste Forum held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, the governor emphasized the transformative power of waste reduction, recycling, and the circular economy.
Themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability,” the forum brought together policymakers, thought leaders, and innovators to reimagine waste as a resource.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Folashade Kadiri (Mrs), it states that Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ unique position as a megacity of over 20 million people generating an estimated 13,000 metric tons of waste daily. Far from being a burden, he said, this massive waste output offers immense opportunities for innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
“Lagos faces significant waste challenges, but we view them as opportunities to build a thriving green economy. This sector is a goldmine ready to be tapped for the benefit of all,” the governor stated, urging stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives that can transform waste into wealth.
The event underscored Lagos’ commitment to a sustainable future, showcasing innovative strategies and partnerships aimed at reducing environmental impact while boosting economic resilience.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has spotlighted the state’s groundbreaking initiatives in waste management, positioning Lagos as a leader in sustainability and innovation. Speaking at the 5th Lagos Waste Forum through his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, the governor detailed the strides taken to transform the city’s waste challenges into economic opportunities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted key measures, including the establishment of recycling hubs, public awareness campaigns, and the exploration of cutting-edge technologies such as waste-to-energy conversion. These initiatives, he explained, aim to reduce landfill dependence while unlocking the economic potential of resource recovery.
“Through LAWMA and strategic collaborations, we are turning waste into wealth. By maximizing resource recovery, we’re not only easing the burden on landfills but also advancing our sustainability goals and creating jobs, particularly for our youth,” he said.
The governor’s remarks reinforced Lagos’ commitment to leveraging waste management as a driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship, signaling a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has reframed waste as an opportunity for economic growth and environmental sustainability. Delivering his goodwill message at the 5th Lagos Waste Forum, Dr. Gbadegesin outlined LAWMA’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and transformative waste management solutions.
“Waste is not just a challenge but a resource waiting to be harnessed,” he stated, highlighting LAWMA’s strategic partnership with Ghana’s Jospong Group to establish advanced Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These state-of-the-art systems, he explained, focus on recycling, composting, and reuse, reducing the strain on landfills while promoting a circular economy.
Dr. Gbadegesin also emphasized LAWMA’s impactful initiatives such as the Adopt-A-Bin program, the rollout of smart bins, and fostering public-private partnerships. These efforts, he noted, are creating jobs, reducing pollution, and turning waste into wealth.
“As we gather here, I challenge every stakeholder to devise actionable strategies that will accelerate Lagos and Nigeria toward a sustainable and prosperous future,” he urged, reinforcing LAWMA’s vision of waste as a driver of both innovation and economic opportunity.
The 5th Lagos Waste Forum kicked off with a strong emphasis on collaboration and impactful actions for sustainable waste management. Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum, in his welcome address, celebrated the synergy between government agencies, private sector players, and civil society groups. Since its inception in 2018, the forum has stood as a flagship event on Lagos’ environmental calendar, driving partnerships and delivering actionable solutions to the city’s waste challenges.
Adding to the discourse, Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Company, reaffirmed Coca-Cola’s commitment to creating a sustainable future. She highlighted the company’s initiatives to foster positive change within communities, ecosystems, and economies, particularly in Lagos and across Nigeria.
“Our goal is to leave a lasting, positive footprint by ensuring all our bottles and cans are recycled and reused. Through these efforts, we are building a better tomorrow,” Onyemelukwe stated, reflecting the company’s dedication to sustainability and circular economy principles.
The event underscored the vital role of collaboration and innovation in transforming waste into a resource while fostering long-term environmental and economic growth.
The 5th Lagos Waste Forum brought together an impressive lineup of industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to chart a path toward a greener Lagos. Key participants included Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA); Mr. Stephen Agugua, ILO Coordinator for Just Transition and Green Jobs; and Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of LAWMA.
Other notable figures included 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, all of whom underscored the importance of innovation, partnerships, and a circular economy in addressing Lagos’ waste challenges.
The event served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase initiatives, and develop actionable strategies aimed at transforming waste into an economic asset while advancing environmental sustainability. Their collective vision further cemented the forum’s reputation as a critical hub for driving sustainable change in Lagos and beyond.
For more information on waste management initiatives and complaints, please contact LAWMA toll-free at 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
