The Lagos state government and Jospong Group of Companies, Ghana have agreed to transform waste management in the city.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday, February 26, by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, and the Chief Executive Officer of Jospong, Joseph Agyepong.
The MoU will see to the establishment of a material recovery facility to reduce downstream pressure (waste disposal volume) at landfills.
It will also ensure Compact/Mobile Transfer loading stations to replace current stationary plants and reduce waste at pressure points such as markets.
The agreement will be perfected through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), to see an overall improvement in waste management.
Wahab noted that the agreement ‘marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards transforming the landscape of waste management in Lagos State’.
He added: “We are not just signing a document; we are inaugurating a partnership that embodies our shared vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos. The challenges of solid and liquid waste management in our rapidly growing megacity are well documented. Lagos, with its vibrant population, bustling markets, and dynamic industries, generates substantial amounts of waste that require innovative, sustainable management solutions. It is our responsibility, as stewards of this city’s future, to address these challenges head-on.
“This partnership with the Jospong Group, a leader in environmental and waste management services in Africa, represents a great leap forward in our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Lagosians through effective waste management. Together, we will develop integrated solid and liquid waste management facilities that not only meet the current needs of our city but also anticipate the demands of our growing population.
“Our collaboration will focus on the pillars of technology, advocacy, enforcement, and the promotion of circular economy innovations such as recycling, composting, reuse, and waste-to-energy projects. These efforts are crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of waste, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development in Lagos.
“Let us take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to building a sustainable future for Lagos. Together, with the Jospong Group, we are setting the foundation for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Lagos.”
Agyepong, in his remarks, described the problem of environmental sanitation as not a matter of convenience, ‘but a cornerstone of public health as stipulated by the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of Clean Water and Sanitation.
He lamented that ‘regrettably, millions of the citizens continue to suffer due to inadequate access to infrastructure, proper sanitation facilities, and water treatment facilities’.
Agyepong assured upstream operators (waste collectors) that there are plans to support them with equipment to make their work more effective and efficient since Jospong’s focus is on downstream waste management and not collection.
He promised to provide 2,000 tricycles to support the Association of Waste Managers (AWM) in their business.
Permanent Secretary (Office of Environmental Services), Dr. Tajudeen Gaji, noted that Lagos, as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, experiences an influx of migrants with consequences like over-population, increasing environmental pollution, and waste problems among others, which have become matters of serious concern to this administration.
He said: “I believe this MoU signals a new dawn for Lagos and, in no time, issues related to solid waste management will become history. I look forward to seeing the fruits of our collaboration, for a clean and healthier Lagos.”
Present at the event were Commissioners for Justice and Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, and Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Taiwo Afinnih, among others.
