The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA),is driving an innovative recycling circular economy that will raise a new generation of entrepreneurs and environmental stewards.LAWMA’s Chief Executive,Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin,who highlighted these as of one crucial initiatives to be undertaken by the agency to underscore its commitment to a sustainable and cleaner Lagos,noted that the strategic shift is unlocking a wealth of job opportunities and fostering a sustainable circular economy, promising a healthier, and more prosperous future for all Lagosians.
Gbadegesin emphasised that the active participation of Lagos’ vibrant young population is “absolutely paramount” to the long-term success of LAWMA’s vision. “The Memoranda of Understanding we have forged are not exclusively reserved for large, established international corporations. We are actively seeking out and providing robust support to young Nigerian entrepreneurs who are brimming with innovative ideas.”An example, he cited was the one involving GreenDeal Company, a promising startup .
According to him, the venture is establishing a state-of-the-art recycling plant at Abule Egba landfill site, focusing on converting specific types of plastics into high-value industrial oil. The technical partnership is based on the UK-based firm, experience and success of its existing operation in Mexico. “This is a powerful testament to the ingenuity and immense potential that resides within our young people. We also have a youth-led innovation black soldier fly facility, focused at converting organic waste into valuable resources. It is also spearheaded by a dynamic team of young Nigerians,” he noted.
To further empower budding entrepreneurs and startups, he said LAWMA is set to launch a deal book later this year.” The publication will outline the diverse array of opportunities within the waste management sector. it will provide a detailed base map identifying strategically suitable locations for various recycling ventures.it is under development and will be readily accessible online. The Invaluable information will empower interested individuals and budding startups to identify promising opportunities and connect directly with LAWMA.”According to him, the government is committed to fostering a level playing field, ensuring that all aspiring entrepreneurs have a fair chance to contribute.He pledged an open-door policy, offering maximum support with minimum bureaucratic encumbrance to truly promising initiatives. “My personal motivation is deeply rooted in a desire to leave a tangible and lasting positive legacy. I am determined to be an integral part of the solution, and empowering our young, driven individuals is absolutely crucial to achieving that transformative change.”According to him, instilling waste separation and recycling habits in young minds is a fundamental pillar of LAWMA’s long-term environmental sustainability strategy. He added: “LAWMA is actively collaborating with Her Excellency, the First Lady, on her impactful “Boy Child Programme,” which includes visits to recycling facilities for firsthand educational experiences. The LAWMA Academy boasts a dedicated team that regularly visits primary and secondary schools, conducting engaging advocacy sessions and distributing informative educational materials to cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility from a young age.
A dynamic monthly internship programme at the LAWMA Academy provides invaluable practical experience for undergraduate and graduate students. Their projects have yielded remarkable and creative outcomes, such as artwork crafted from discarded tires, textile waste, and PET bottles, with even picture frames ingeniously made from discarded bicycle tires. We are also fostering a strong network of alumni from the LAWMA Academy, bringing them together as a vibrant youth group. Many alumni are now assuming leadership roles within their communities, serving as powerful advocates for sustainable waste management practices.”Beyond empowering startups, he continued that LAWMA is forging strategic alliances with larger organisations , both within Nigeria and on the global stage, to amplify the impact of its circular economy initiatives. He mentioned the partnership with Lafarge. He explained that officials from the agency recently visited Lafarge’s plant in Ogun State, witnessing firsthand how the company has ingeniously retrofitted its cement kilns to utilize non-recyclable combustible waste as a valuable fuel source.The innovative approach,he maintained, holds particular significance for challenging waste materials such as pure water sachets and various flexible packaging wrappers, which are generated in substantial volumes in Lagos and pose considerable challenges for conventional recycling processes. LAWMA ,he continued, has formalised an MoU with Lafarge , allocating designated space at landfill sites at Olusosun and Solous in Igando.” Lafarge is commencing construction of facilities dedicated to collecting these currently non-recyclable materials, including textile waste and certain organic matter such as weeds. These materials, when carefully incinerated within the high-temperature environment of the cement kiln, become a valuable alternative fuel, with the resulting cement production process remaining environmentally sound,he explained. Gbadegesin highlighted Lafarge’s commitment to environmentally responsible strategy, noting their international presence and dedication to continuing the groundbreaking approach. “This partnership serves as a powerful illustration of how we are actively engaging with established industry leaders to develop practical and sustainable solutions for even the most challenging waste streams,” he added.In recognition of health risks associated with waste management, he indicated LAWMA places paramount importance on the well-being of its workforce. His words: “A dedicated and robust Health and Safety Department has been established, expanding beyond traditional medical services. Regular and comprehensive on-site training programmes are conducted for all personnel, from landfill workers to street sweepers. LAWMA is deeply committed to providing adequate and high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), continuously striving for enhancement in its provision and utilisation. The majority of LAWMA’s headquarters and operational workshop staff are enrolled in the Ilera Eko Health Plan, ensuring access to quality healthcare. Crucially, LAWMA is extending this health coverage to street sweepers, who, while not directly employed by LAWMA, are recognised for their indispensable contribution to the city’s cleanliness. Their biodata is being captured through the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency, and they are in the process of being enrolled in a comprehensive health card scheme, with an ambitious initial goal of enrolling up to 5,000 sweepers by the end of the current quarter and extending coverage to all 16,000 by the close of the year.”
