Lagos partners HBM to boost drive for cleaner environment

By Oluseye Ojo

Lagos State Government and HBM Nigeria Plc have strengthened their partnership to boost the drive for a cleaner environment.

This came as the company deployed waste evacuation trucks and expanded its waste-to-energy initiative to support the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

The collaboration, undertaken through the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment as part of HBM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, according to stakeholders, is aimed at ensuring the prompt evacuation of waste generated during the exercise to prevent refuse from being washed back into drainage channels, towards reducing flood risks and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.

HBM is also advancing sustainable waste management through its geocycle operations by sorting waste transported to dumpsites and separating non-recyclable combustible materials for co-processing at its Ewekoro Cement Plant.

As gathered, the process diverts suitable waste from landfills and converts it into alternative fuel, with a view to supporting the circular economy, while reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal.

The monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Kosofe Local Government Area in June was monitored by top government officials, including the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Environmental Services, Mr. Mobolaji Gaaji; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation, Mrs. Ola Aina; Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Moyosore Ogunlewe; HBM Head of Geocycle, Temitope Dosunmu and HBM Public Affairs and Communications Manager (West), Yemi Bakare.

Speaking during the exercise, Agoro commended HBM for its sustained support for the state’s environmental sustainability agenda, describing the company’s contribution as a demonstration of the critical role the private sector can play in complementing the government’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

He urged other corporate organisations to emulate HBM’s commitment by supporting initiatives that promote environmental sanitation and sustainable waste management.

According to the Head of Service, keeping Lagos clean is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of the government, the private sector and residents, stressing that stronger partnerships are essential to building a more resilient, healthier and environmentally sustainable state.