The current challenge of waste management in Lagos State, as well as the nation, is immense, with disposal exceeding available capacity. Zero waste, an end-to-end waste management system from resource generation, production, consumption, and end-of-life management, has raised concerns and confusion among the players. Therefore, the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), with the support of the Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives (GAIA), is implementing a zero waste initiative aimed at steering and strengthening national capacity in plastic waste management in Nigeria.
The project commenced with stakeholder consultations and awareness-raising in pilot schools and estates and officially kicked off with an inception workshop held on September 19, 2024, at MAN House Hall, Ikeja. This event attracted over 70 participants both physically and virtually, including representatives from Lagos State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Trade Associations, secondary schools, Civil Societies, and the Media.
The Energy campaigner for GAIA, Mr. Weyinmi Okotie, gave a brief on the need for the state to embrace the zero waste concept, which considers the end-to-end management of waste from production at source up to post-consumption and beyond. He alluded to the need for the state to take this initiative owing to its population and leading role in the country and Africa at large. He ended by complimenting the effort of the state government in banning single-use plastic, particularly styrofoams.
The LAWMA delegate, Mr. Essien, the head of Circular Economy, expressed his interest in the outcome of the project as he shared the ongoing efforts of the Authority in managing organic waste. Following extensive quantification of the waste across different specialized markets, he said the state is already engaged in a private-public partnership to manage the organic waste, which is over 43% of the municipalities.
