The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lafarge Africa Plc to address the state’s mounting waste challenges through sustainable waste management initiatives.
The agreement that was signed at the Lagos State Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources Conference Hall in Alausa, Ikeja, aims to achieve zero waste at landfill sites by converting non-recyclable combustible waste into alternative fuel for industrial use.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who signed on behalf of the state government, described the partnership as a critical step in tackling the waste crisis.
He disclosed that Lagos generates between 13,000 and 15,000 tonnes of waste daily, stressing the state government’s commitment to waste conversion as a sustainable solution.
According to him, “The collaboration between Lagos State and Lafarge Africa will help to achieve the ultimate objective of a zero-waste situation and reduce the quantum of the quantity of wastes that end up at the landfill sites across the state.”
The initiative will see non-recyclable waste collected from landfill sites and locations across Lagos and transported to Lafarge Africa’s Ewekoro Plant in Ogun State, where it will be processed into alternative fuel for cement production.
Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, said the partnership will contribute to sustainable waste management and support climate action.
He stated, “With the signing of the MoU, Lafarge Africa intends to collect wastes from companies and Lagos State dumpsites and divert them to the Ewekoro Plant as an alternative fuel for production, adding that managing wastes effectively was critical to environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and long-term economic development.”
Alade-Akinyemi added that the collaboration aligns with Lafarge Africa’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals and will enhance the company’s leadership in sustainable construction and climate action.
“The MoU’s benefits are wide-ranging, including the availability of reliable alternative fuel sources, cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and alignment with ESG goals,” he said.
Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the initiative.
He said “The partnership would address waste issues, stressing that the state will surely tell a remarkable story not just for the African continent, but for the entire world.”
Head of Geocycle at Lafarge Africa Plc, Daniel Adedokun, revealed that the concept of the collaboration dates back to 2014.
He said “The idea was mooted in 2014,” adding that “the partnership will strengthen Lafarge Africa’s leadership in sustainable construction and climate action.”
The partnership between Lagos State and Lafarge Africa is expected to reduce the volume of waste reaching landfill sites, promote circular economy practices and support Lagos State’s broader environmental sustainability goals.
As the state government intensifies its efforts to address the waste management crisis, stakeholders anticipate that the initiative will drive long-term environmental benefits while contributing to job creation and economic growth.
