By Salifu Faridat
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a significant partnership with the Netherlands to establish a circular economy hotspot.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to effectively address the environmental, social, and economic impacts of activities within the mega city.
The announcement was made during the inaugural Circular Economy Hotspot on the Continent of Africa, with the theme “Towards a Circular and Resourceful Economy; The Future Lagos.”
The event, scheduled for July 26 – 27, received tremendous support from the Netherlands, was organized by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the
African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) and the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership (CEIP).
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed unwavering commitment to implementing the circular economy approach, with particular emphasis on converting waste into wealth.
He underscored Lagos’ wholehearted adoption of the circular economy concept and highlighted the extensive potential
benefits that extend beyond the city to encompass the entire sub-Saharan Africa.
“The current geo-socio-political climate gives us even more reason to re-evaluate the resilience of our value chains, eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature,” stated Governor Sanwo-Olu during the event.
The governor emphasized the importance of engaging Lagos’ vast population in this transformative initiative, which promises to bring benefits not only to the city but also to the entire nation and the sub-Saharan region.
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He pledged to launch massive awareness campaigns and sensitize citizens to ensure the successful implementation of circular economy principles, particularly given the nation’s ongoing efforts to optimize resources for sustainable economic development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further highlighted his administration’s strong commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth by encouraging sustainable consumption and production patterns.
He added, “This initiative will create more jobs, as additional innovative production ideas will be needed, and extra manpower
required to keep materials in the loop for a long time. Therefore, the teeming population will be profitably and sustainably engaged, expanding the philosophy for an even greater Mega City.”
The Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot 2023 holds immense significance, not only for Lagos and Nigeria but also for the entire sub-Saharan Africa.
Governor Sanwo-Olu pointed out that developing countries, like Nigeria, have contributed minimally to global warming but
disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change impacts.
Therefore, adopting circular economy principles becomes a critical step to minimize waste and promote sustainability.
During the event, Bassey Unaowo, the Director of the National Agriculture Seed Council, and Mr. Ibrahim Yesufu, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, also praised the circular economy conversation.
They underscored the potential of this
initiative to address environmental challenges, create job opportunities, and foster broad-based economic advantages.
The Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot 2023 promises to showcase the joint efforts of the government, private sector, and youth in adopting circular economy practices for a more resourceful economy.
This comesat a crucial time when the nation seeks innovative and sustainable solutions to bolster its revenue base and contribute to a greener, more prosperous future.
