The Lagos State Government (LASG) has signed three separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading private firms to advance waste conversion and promote sustainable environmental management in the state.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Kunle Adeshina, Director of Public Affairs, on Sunday, the agreements are aimed at drastically reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills while creating economic opportunities through recycling and resource recovery.
Adeshina said the signing ceremony took place over the weekend as part of the activities marking the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, which featured breakout and panel sessions with experts across thematic areas.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Lagos’ waste management approach from a linear “pick and dump” model to a circular economy that turns waste into wealth.
“The new MoUs mark a major step in our quest to reduce the quantum of waste that ends up at landfills. We are determined to move toward advanced waste conversion that creates value and drives sustainability,” Wahab said.
He explained that one of the MoUs, signed with HAK Waste Ltd., focuses on establishing a circular beverage container recycling and recovery system through a deposit refund mechanism anchored on the state’s Extended Producer’s Responsibility Mechanism (EPRM).
The second agreement, with Haggai Logistics Ltd., will see the establishment of a world-class tyre recycling facility — the first of its kind in Lagos. The plant will process end-of-life tyres using fully automated, environmentally sound technologies to produce reusable materials.
The third partnership, with Mondo 4 Africa, seeks to convert non-recyclable plastic waste into sustainable fuel and other valuable resources using innovative and eco-friendly technology.
Wahab emphasised that these partnerships demonstrate investor confidence in the state’s environmental policies and the administration’s resolve to turn challenges into opportunities.
“We are determined to change the mindset of residents. Waste should no longer be seen as a nuisance but as a resource. We are also focusing on financial sustainability and resilience, especially as Lagos is a coastal state vulnerable to climate impacts,” he said.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the agreements as a milestone in the state’s journey toward an efficient and sustainable waste management system.
“The government or LAWMA alone cannot handle the enormous volume of waste generated daily. We need strong partnerships with the private sector to turn waste into a valuable resource,” Gbadegesin stated.
Representatives of the partnering companies expressed appreciation to the state government and pledged full commitment to achieving the goals of the waste-to-wealth initiative.
The event was attended by key government officials, including the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji; and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr. Mahamood Adegbite, among others.