Lagos intensifies push for circular economy revolution

By Lukman Olabiyi

In Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant economic powerhouse, a new wave of environmental and economic reform is gaining momentum. With a population surpassing 20 million people and generating over 13,000 tons of waste daily, the city is reimagining its approach to waste and resource management. The shift towards a circular economy represents a bold strategy to address the city’s significant waste management challenges and its aspirations for sustainable growth.

 

Historically, Lagos has grappled with inefficient waste collection systems, inadequate recycling infrastructure and a landfill crisis that has exacerbated pollution and environmental degradation. The sight of overflowing dumpsites and the stench of untreated waste have become all too familiar to Lagosians, especially people around Ketu, Ikosi, Ojota and Oregun axis. This highlights the urgent need for change.

Circular economy is a transformative concept that challenges the traditional “take, make, dispose” model. Instead, this approach advocates a system where resources are continuously cycled through recycling, reuse and remanufacturing. By keeping materials in use for as long as possible, the circular economy aims to minimize waste, conserve natural resources and generate economic value through sustainable practices.

For Lagos, the adoption of circular principles is not merely a theoretical exercise, it is a practical necessity. The city’s rapid population growth and burgeoning commercial activity have placed immense pressure on its waste management systems. The state government views circular economy as a tool to enhance urban sustainability and drive fiscal growth, aligning with global trends towards more responsible resource management.

Yet, the transition to a circular economy requires more than just policy changes and infrastructure upgrades. Stakeholders across the city are emphasizing the need for heightened public awareness and education. To effectively integrate circular practices into daily life and business operations, Lagosians must understand the benefits and methods of this new approach.

Awareness campaigns are now being called for, aimed at informing the public and businesses about how they can contribute to and benefit from a circular economy. These initiatives will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of sustainability and ensuring that the principles of recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing become ingrained in the city’s economic fabric.

On the issue of awareness campaigns, recently, at the close-out event of the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) initiative, held at the Special Correctional Centre for Girls in Idi-Araba, Lagos, stakeholders  further tasked the state government to do more on it, for Lagos residents to understand how it works and its benefits.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his aides highlighted how the initiative could address unemployment and increase internally generated revenue; they also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maximize all the benefits of waste to wealth.

LNOB is an initiative spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy,  Titi Oshodi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

The governor’s aide, who spoke passionately on the state government’s efforts on climate change mitigation and circular economy, said the initiative was to create wealth, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs across the state.

According to her, the LNOB initiative has the potential to contribute to the state’s economy through its innovative revenue-generating practices.

“Today is a momentous occasion that not only marks the conclusion of an extraordinary journey but also celebrates a transformative effort that reflects our core mission at the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE), which is to create wealth, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs across Lagos State.

“Our mission is driven by the belief that wealth creation, job creation and zero carbon emission can be achieved through innovative circular economy practices. The LNOB initiative is a testament to this belief, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the circular economy extend to everyone, particularly those who are most marginalised within our community.

“The motivation behind the LNOB initiative was rooted in our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Recognising the vast potential of the circular economy to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges, we aimed to create a model that would benefit the most marginalised members of our community,” she said.

Oshodi further said the vision of the initiative was to demonstrate that circular economy practices could provide not just environmental benefits but also tangible economic opportunities for those who need them most.

“This initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, was designed to empower over 20,000 girls and women with essential skills in circular economy practices.

“This effort began with a pilot programme at the Special Correctional Centre for Girls in Idi-Araba and has led to impressive achievements.

“LNOB initiative has the potential to contribute to Lagos State’s economy through its innovative revenue-generating practices.

“The correctional centre for girls, now functioning as a collection centre, engages approximately 1,000 community members, collecting 200kg of recyclables weekly.

“This operation not only supports community welfare but also aims to generate substantial revenue by converting waste into valuable resources,” she added.

Oshodi disclosed that the initiative has had a profound impact on both social and economic fronts by empowering women to produce marketable goods from waste materials such as Ottoman seats, mirrors, and jewellery.

In addition, the governor’s aide said the project has the potential to create jobs, providing stable employment opportunities and enhancing the livelihoods of those involved.

“Our programmes have demonstrated how waste can be transformed into products with economic value. This approach not only reduces the volume of waste but also creates new economic opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability. By valorising waste, we are not only addressing environmental concerns but also generating economic benefits that contribute to the prosperity of Lagos State.

“The achievements of the LNOB initiative represent a significant step towards a circular economy model, emphasizing resource efficiency, cost savings, and environmental stewardship. Our infrastructure now supports 1,000 individuals, has created new jobs and contributes to reduced carbon emissions and operational costs, illustrating the extensive socio-economic impact of our efforts,” Oshodi said.

In their various goodwill messages, the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, and his counterparts from the Ministries of Agric, Health, Environment and Water Resources who were represented, reaffirmed Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the concept of circular economy.

They all emphasized on numerous benefits of circular economy and its impact on environment and economic growth.

The Danish Consul General, Head of Trade, Jette Bjerrum, who commended the state government for the initiative, harped on benefits of waste to wealth and how the countries across the globe, including Denmark are exploiting its to boost their economy.

She pledged her country’s support to Lagos State to maximize all the potentials in waste to wealth and other necessary areas in which the state and her country can partner.

   

In his address, Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, said circular economy framework is not just an alternative but a necessity for sustainable development.

He said: “Our world is changing rapidly and with it, the dynamics of our economies and societies. The circular economy framework is not just an alternative but a necessity for sustainable development. By focusing on reducing waste, reusing resources and recycling materials, we create a system that benefits both the environment and the economy.

“This initiative has equipped our participants with the skills to thrive in such a system, turning challenges into opportunities and waste into wealth.

“The impact of this initiative goes beyond numbers. Each of the 20,000 girls and women who have participated in this program represents a story of resilience, ambition, and transformation.

“They have learned to harness their potential, to see value where others see waste, and to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their communities. They are now champions of change, pioneers in their fields, and role models for future generations.”

Calling for more awareness campaign, some of the exhibitors at the event, implored government to do more on it, held that Lagosians must understand the benefits and methods of this new approach.

Sidiqoh Matesun-Raji, the chief executive officier of Green Matex, a firm specializes in up cycling and  recycling of waste, gave clue to the state government on how it can increase its internal generated revenue through the initiative and how it can also be used to suppress number of unemployed youths.

She called on government to intensify awareness on the concept so that general public can understand the business and how they can contribute to it and benefit from a circular economy.

Kehinde Daniel, a representative of Shoespeed, a firm that specialize in using waste material to manufactures footwear, commended the state government for supporting them and giving them opportunity to showcase their brand.

He also called for more awareness campaign in order for the public to understand how the concept works.

The co-founder of Kike Technolgies, Lilian Aremu, emphasized on the need for heightened public awareness and education in order to effectively integrate circular practices into daily life and business operations.