By Damilola Abiola
In a landmark move to enhance waste management and sustainability, the Lagos State Government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LAFARGE Africa PLC to convert non-recyclable combustible waste into alternative fuel for cement production.
The agreement, signed at Alausa, will see the collection of waste from across the state and landfill sites for transportation to Lafarge’s Ewekoro plant, where it will be used as an alternative energy source.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the administration’s commitment to reducing landfill waste.
“It’s a symbiotic relationship. We have the waste, you have the use for it, and waste is not waste until it is tagged as waste. There is always value in it globally,” Wahab said. “This will help us reduce the waste generated in Lagos and support our zero-waste agenda.”
The Commissioner further stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for sustainable waste management solutions.
“Climate change is real. If we fail to address it now, we may not have this continent in the next few years. The signs are everywhere,” he warned.
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, CEO of Lafarge Africa, highlighted the partnership’s impact on environmental sustainability and economic development.
“With this MoU, we intend to collect waste from companies and dumpsites across Lagos and divert it for use as alternative fuel in our cement kilns,” he explained. “This will reduce fossil fuel dependency, cut carbon emissions, and support Nigeria’s decarbonization efforts.”
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), described the initiative as a game-changer for waste management in Africa.
“This partnership will not only address Lagos’ waste challenges but also set an example for the entire world on sustainable waste solutions,” he stated.