The Lagos State Government has declared its readiness to partner with investors in municipal solid waste-to-energy, waste-to-wealth, and liquid waste initiatives, as part of its broader strategy to tackle climate change and environmental challenges.
The commitment was made by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who featured as a panellist at the Harvard University Climate Action Week, themed “Rising Seas, Resilient Communities, Climate Adaptation Strategies in West Africa.”
Wahab explained that Lagos has already developed both a climate adaptation plan and a climate resilience plan, underscoring the state’s long-term vision. He noted that two pre-feasibility studies on waste-to-energy and wastewater projects have been completed, showing the seriousness of the administration in turning waste into a viable resource.
With over 20 million residents generating 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, Wahab said Lagos is adopting a sustainable, climate-friendly approach that treats waste as a resource for wealth and energy. He pointed to an agreement signed 18 months ago with a company in Ghana to process 4,000 metric tonnes of municipal waste daily into fertilisers, recyclable plastics, and other useful products, alongside establishing a transfer station. He added that successful execution of the project would pave the way for the decommissioning of the Olusosun and Solous landfills.
Wahab stressed that as a coastal city, Lagos remains vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea level rise, tidal lock, flash flooding, and extreme heat. He highlighted measures already put in place, including resilient drainage infrastructure and legal actions against those who build on floodplains, drainage setbacks, or engage in ecosystem destruction.
He further disclosed that Lagos’s landmass, originally 3,577 square metres, has grown to 4,050 square metres due to extensive land reclamation, which poses new environmental risks. To manage this, the state insists on Environmental Impact Assessment approvals and drainage master plans for all reclamation projects.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that the government’s policies and legal frameworks are designed to ensure that Lagos not only mitigates the effects of climate change but also becomes a hub for innovative waste-to-wealth solutions and sustainable urban growth.
📩 Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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