By Peter.
Lagos State and key stakeholders are ramping up efforts to unlock Nigeria’s estimated $250 billion green economy potential through innovative waste management and circular economy strategies.
The 6th Lagos Waste Forum, themed “The Power of Nigeria’s Waste Economy”, brought together public and private sector leaders in Lagos to explore turning waste into economic resilience.
Organized by SWEEP Foundation NG with support from UNIDO, the European Union, and Coca-Cola Nigeria, the event highlighted Lagos’ vast waste generation as a “goldmine” for innovation.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Special Adviser on Environment Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu emphasized structured approaches via agencies like LAWMA (led by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin) to position Lagos as a circular economy hub.
A Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance representative cited the FG/UNDP Imagine Nigeria report, noting Nigeria’s 32 million tonnes of annual waste—with Lagos alone yielding ₦18 billion in recycling value in 2021—as pathways to jobs and environmental protection.
SWEEP Foundation President Obuesi Phillips called dumpsites “waste mines” and advocated for a dedicated Ministry of Waste Resources and a Green Bank for low-interest loans to entrepreneurs.
Ogun State Environment Commissioner Dr. Ola Oresanya stressed evidence-based, research-driven interventions and skilled workforce development.
Attendees, including Special Adviser on Climate Change Titi Oshodi and UNIDO’s Emem Umana, pledged focus on financing, technology, and community engagement for a resource-efficient, climate-smart ecosystem.
The forum underscores growing momentum for waste-to-wealth initiatives amid Nigeria’s push for sustainable growth.
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