Hauwa Ali
Lagos State is set to revolutionize its energy landscape by tapping into waste-to-energy technologies through a strategic partnership with Swedish organizations. This initiative aims to leverage Sweden’s expertise to convert the city’s abundant waste—both solid and liquid—into power, offering a sustainable solution to Lagos’s growing energy needs.
Announced on the Lagos State Government’s official website on Wednesday, the collaboration seeks to address multiple challenges, including Lagos’s electricity deficit, environmental degradation, and waste management issues. This ambitious move could position Lagos as a pioneer in Africa’s renewable energy transition.
Speaking during a meeting at the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that waste can be harnessed as a powerful resource. “Waste is not waste; it’s one of the most valuable resources everywhere,” Wahab said.
He explained that Lagos aims to reduce its energy shortfall by utilizing the massive amounts of waste generated daily across the metropolis. With the potential to generate electricity and other forms of renewable energy, this project could ease pressure on the national grid, diversify Lagos’s energy sources, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The waste-to-energy approach offers several benefits including: Electricity production, where solid wastes can be burned in waste-to-energy plants to generate power. Also, Liquid waste can be processed into biogas for cooking and electricity.
It also aids Environmental conservation by reducing landfill use to lower methane emissions and environmental pollution.
Lagos’s rapid urban growth has intensified its demand for electricity, with many neighborhoods experiencing frequent power outages. The state government believes that the partnership with Swedish companies will create new energy streams while addressing the waste disposal challenges that have long plagued the city.
Sweden has been a global leader in waste-to-energy projects, with over 99% of its household waste either recycled or converted into energy. Lagos hopes to replicate this success by adopting similar technologies to process its waste efficiently.
If successfully implemented, the project could improve the state’s energy capacity by providing additional power to homes, industries, and public facilities. This will complement existing power generation initiatives, including off-grid solar projects and gas-powered electricity solutions.
By converting waste into energy, Lagos aims to transition to a circular economy, where resources are reused and repurposed, minimizing waste and maximizing value. The project also aligns with Lagos’s broader vision of sustainable development, where economic growth is achieved without compromising the environment.
Aside from energy generation, the government is optimistic that the waste-to-energy partnership will drive job creation. New waste treatment facilities, energy plants, and biogas production centers are expected to provide employment opportunities for residents.
“We are not just managing waste; we are transforming it into a key part of our economic future,” Wahab said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to solving multiple challenges—waste, energy, and environmental sustainability—through a single innovative approach.”
The project is also part of Lagos’s efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is often released from landfill sites where organic waste decomposes. By diverting waste away from landfills and converting it into energy, the state hopes to cut down on methane emissions and contribute to global climate goals.
This initiative complements other recent environmental efforts by the government, such as clearing illegal structures that obstruct drainage systems in Akoka and Yaba, and the planned reintroduction of monthly sanitation exercises to improve cleanliness across the city.
Despite the promising potential of the waste-to-energy project, the government acknowledges that challenges remain. Establishing the necessary infrastructure—such as modern waste treatment plants—will require significant investment and expertise. Additionally, public cooperation in waste segregation will be essential for the project’s success, as separating organic and recyclable waste is crucial for efficient energy conversion.
The state plans to launch public awareness campaigns and collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure that residents understand their role in the process.
With the Lagos-Sweden partnership, the government hopes to set a new benchmark for waste management and energy production in Africa. As Lagos continues to grow, the government is committed to investing in innovative, green technologies to meet the evolving needs of the city.
“This partnership is not just about solving today’s problems,” Wahab stated. “It’s about building the future we want—where clean energy powers our homes and industries, and our environment is protected for generations to come.”
The waste-to-energy project marks a bold step in Lagos’s quest to become a cleaner, greener, and more energy-resilient city, paving the way for other African cities to follow in its footsteps.