The Lagos State Government has taken a significant leap towards transforming its waste management landscape, courtesy of a €120 million support fund from the Dutch Government.
This substantial investment will propel the state’s pioneering waste-to-energy project, undertaken in collaboration with the renowned Dutch firm, Harvest Waste Consortium.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed the development on his official X platform, highlighting the project’s transformative potential.
“The waste-to-energy project with the Dutch company, Harvest Waste, is backed by the Dutch Government to the tune of about €120 million,” Wahab stated.
The initiative aims to harness the energy potential of Lagos’ waste, processing 2,500 to 3,000 tons daily, out of the 13,000 to 14,000 tons generated in the state.
The decommissioned Epe landfill has been designated as the project site, marking a significant step towards reutilizing dormant infrastructure.
Wahab emphasized the state government’s proactive approach to waste management, noting the decommissioning of major dumpsites, including Olusosun and Solous 1, 2, and 3.
“We are actively decommissioning several landfills to make space for new waste management projects with foreign private companies,” he explained.
Strategic partnerships are pivotal to the project’s success. The Lagos State Government is collaborating with prominent players, including the Jospong Group and Closing the Loop, to ensure seamless execution. These collaborations will facilitate the transformation of waste into valuable resources, aligning with the state’s sustainability goals.
Wahab envisioned a future where only 3-4% of Lagos’ waste ends up in landfills, underscoring the project’s potential impact. “Once these partnerships are fully operational, we expect a significant reduction in waste sent to landfills,” he noted.
This initiative builds upon existing efforts to optimize waste management in Lagos. Last year, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) partnered with C40 and G-ORBIT Enterprise to explore converting organic waste into biogas for electricity generation.
Lagos State’s commitment to innovative waste management solutions is poised to yield tangible benefits, including:
Enhanced waste reduction and recycling rates
Increased electricity generation from waste
Improved environmental sustainability
Economic benefits through resource recovery
Increased electricity generation from waste
Improved environmental sustainability
Economic benefits through resource recovery
