The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LAFARGE Africa Plc to collect non-recyclable combustible waste across the state, including landfill sites, and transport it to the company’s Ewekoro plant for conversion into alternative fuel for production.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Alausa on Monday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the agreement as a significant step toward achieving a zero-waste initiative in Lagos. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to waste reduction and conversion, emphasizing that the partnership with LAFARGE Africa would significantly cut down the volume of waste ending up in landfill sites.
“It’s a symbiotic relationship. We have the waste, and you have the use for it. Waste is not waste until it is tagged as such—there is always value in it globally. This initiative will go a long way in reducing waste generation in Lagos and the burden on landfill sites. We thank LAFARGE and are ready to provide full support for the process,” Wahab stated.
He recalled previous MoUs signed by the state government, including agreements for landfill decommissioning, waste-to-energy conversion, and electronic waste management with a Dutch company. He stressed that these initiatives are part of a deliberate, methodical approach to sustainable waste management and climate action.
“Climate change is a real issue. If we fail to tackle it head-on, we risk jeopardizing the future of our continent. The signs are evident, and while some may choose to ignore them, the consequences will affect us all,” Wahab warned.
The commissioner also highlighted the growing impact of global warming, citing extreme weather patterns such as increased flooding, harsher winters, and hotter summers. He urged everyone to take responsibility for environmental conservation.
“We are addressing waste management head-on. Waste sorting must become part of our culture—plastics in one bin, paper in another. This is a habit we must cultivate, and we are determined to make it a reality,” he added.
LAFARGE Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, emphasized that the MoU would enable the company to collect waste from Lagos State dumpsites and industrial sources, diverting it to the Ewekoro plant for use as an alternative fuel.
“Effective waste management is crucial for environmental sustainability, community well-being, and long-term economic growth. This partnership will strengthen LAFARGE Africa’s role in sustainable construction and climate action while making meaningful contributions to waste management in Nigeria,” Alade-Akinyemi said.
He noted that the initiative would offer multiple benefits, including a reliable alternative fuel source, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
“We have successfully implemented waste-to-energy solutions globally, and today, we bring that expertise to Lagos. The waste collected through this partnership will replace fossil fuels in our cement kilns, reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to Nigeria’s decarbonization journey,” he added.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, expressed confidence that the initiative would help resolve major waste management challenges, positioning Lagos as a leader in sustainable waste solutions not only in Africa but globally.
Dignitaries present at the signing included Special Adviser on Environment Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretaries Dr. Gaji Omobolaji (Office of Environmental Services) and Engr. Mahamood Adegbite (Office of Drainage Services), as well as executives from LASPARK, Lagos Water Corporation, and LASWAMO. Senior officials from LAFARGE Africa also attended the event.
