By Faridat Salifu
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged stakeholders to tap into the economic potential of waste materials as part of efforts to address the state’s environmental challenges.
He made the call at the 5th edition of the Lagos Waste Forum, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, on Monday under the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Potential: Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Pathways to Jobs, Business, and Sustainability.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, emphasized the dual nature of waste as both a challenge and an opportunity.
He noted that Lagos, with a population exceeding 20 million, generates over 13,000 metric tons of waste daily.
However, rather than seeing this as a burden, the governor encouraged stakeholders to view it as a chance for innovation, job creation, and business development. “The green economy is a goldmine waiting to be unlocked,” he said.
The Governor highlighted the state’s proactive measures in waste management, which include the promotion of recycling hubs, public awareness campaigns, and the integration of advanced technologies such as waste-to-energy conversion.
In his speech, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), reiterated that waste should be seen not only as a challenge but as a resource for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
He also discussed LAWMA’s initiatives, such as the Adopt-A-Bin program, the introduction of smart bins, and fostering public-private partnerships to align with circular economy principles.
Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, President of the Lagos Waste Forum, commended the collaborative spirit that has defined the forum since its inception in 2018.
He noted that the forum had become an essential event in Lagos’ environmental calendar, bringing together government, private sector, and civil society to explore innovative and actionable solutions for sustainable waste management.
Mrs. Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola, shared the company’s commitment to sustainability in her goodwill message.
She reaffirmed Coca-Cola’s efforts to contribute to a better tomorrow by ensuring all bottles and cans produced are recycled and reused, aligning with their broader environmental goals.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders in transforming waste into valuable resources and creating a more sustainable and prosperous Lagos.