By Abdullahi Lukman & Abbas Nazil
The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has launched an anaerobic digester at Ikosi Fruit Market to convert organic waste into biogas and bio-fertiliser, marking a new step in the state’s waste-to-energy drive.
The project, supported by the C40 Cities Urban Climate Action Programme and financed by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, will collect organic waste from the market and process it through anaerobic digestion to produce clean cooking gas, electricity and organic fertiliser.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the facility as a milestone in Lagos State’s efforts to address waste management and climate challenges.
He said the project demonstrates how everyday waste can be transformed into a valuable resource that supports sustainability, reduces emissions and improves livelihoods.
According to Wahab, the initiative reflects Lagos State’s broader ambition to translate international climate commitments into practical, community-level solutions, adding that markets and local communities are critical to building sustainable cities.
The Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the project underscores the state government’s commitment to a circular economy.
He noted that converting organic waste into energy would improve sanitation in markets, strengthen public health and advance climate-smart waste management, with plans to replicate the model in other markets across the state.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Gaji Tajudeen, commended the project partners and stakeholders, describing the biogas plant as an innovative solution to long-standing waste management challenges.
He said the facility would provide clean energy and fertiliser while promoting environmental sustainability.
C40 Cities Regional Director for Africa, Anthony Okoth, said the Ikosi project exemplifies locally driven solutions that support global climate goals, including efforts to limit temperature rise in line with the Paris Agreement.
Also speaking, Temitope Okunnu, Chief Executive Officer of FABE Foundation and project implementer, said the launch marked the culmination of over a year of engagement with the market community.
She added that similar projects are already being planned for other markets in Lagos.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, a partner in the initiative, will distribute the bio-fertiliser produced from the digester to farmers.
