The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with key public and private sector stakeholders, has renewed its commitment to environmental sustainability and waste management as Nigeria looks to unlock an estimated $250 billion green economy opportunity. This renewed focus was highlighted during the 6th Lagos Waste Forum held in Lagos, where policymakers, environmental experts, development partners, and industry players gathered to discuss how waste can be transformed into a source of economic growth, jobs, and long-term environmental protection.
The forum was organised by SWEEP Foundation NG with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the European Union, and Coca-Cola Nigeria. The event was held under the theme, “The Power of Nigeria’s Waste Economy,” reflecting growing interest in the circular economy and waste-to-wealth initiatives across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on the Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Lagos occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s waste and circular economy journey. He explained that although the state generates a large volume of waste daily due to its population and economic activities, this challenge also presents strong opportunities for innovation, investment, and job creation.
According to Rotimi-Akodu, Lagos generates vast quantities of waste, but within this challenge lies significant opportunity if supported by proper structure, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. He noted that the state government has continued to strengthen its waste management systems through its agencies to ensure that waste is not only managed efficiently but also converted into valuable resources.
He specifically referenced the Lagos Waste Management Authority, led by its Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, as a key institution driving reforms in the sector. He said the authority is working on an integrated waste management framework that supports recycling, resource recovery, and private sector participation, positioning Lagos as a leading hub for circular economy innovation in Nigeria.
Further insights into the financial value of the waste economy were provided by a representative of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance. The representative cited findings from the Federal Government and United Nations Development Programme’s Imagine Nigeria report, which estimates Nigeria’s green economy potential at up to $250 billion. According to the alliance, circular economy practices are no longer just about environmental protection but also about economic resilience, industrial growth, and job creation.
The alliance disclosed that Nigeria produces about 32 million tonnes of waste every year, while Lagos alone generated an estimated N18 billion in recycling value in 2021. The official noted that improving recycling rates, expanding waste collection infrastructure, and supporting local recycling industries could significantly increase this value while reducing environmental pollution.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of SWEEP Foundation NG, Mr Obuesi Phillips, described Nigeria’s dumpsites as emerging “waste mines” that can support sustainable livelihoods if properly managed. He called for bold institutional reforms, including the creation of a Ministry of Waste Resources to give focused attention to the sector. He also proposed the establishment of a dedicated Green Bank that would provide single-digit interest loans to entrepreneurs involved in waste-to-wealth and recycling businesses.
Phillips said access to affordable financing remains a major barrier for small and medium-scale waste entrepreneurs, despite the sector’s growth potential. He added that targeted funding could unlock innovation, encourage youth participation, and improve environmental outcomes nationwide.
Delivering the main lecture at the forum, the Ogun State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, stressed the importance of evidence-based interventions in environmental governance. He urged governments at all levels to move beyond policy announcements and adopt solutions driven by research, innovation, and measurable outcomes.
Oresanya said sustainable environmental progress can only be achieved when solutions are tailored to Nigeria’s local realities and backed by data and technical expertise. He also called for the development of a technically skilled environmental workforce across federal, state, and local governments to ensure effective implementation of waste management and climate-related policies.
Other participants at the forum included the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Ms Titi Oshodi; the Executive Director of Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, Ms Natalie Beinisch; and the UNIDO Field Coordination and Gender Expert, Ms Emem Umana. Discussions during the forum touched on recycling infrastructure, extended producer responsibility, climate-smart technologies, and community participation in waste management.
The forum ended with stakeholders agreeing to prioritise improved financing, technology adoption, and stronger community engagement as key pillars for advancing Nigeria’s waste economy. Participants noted that collaboration between government, private sector operators, development partners, and local communities would be critical in building a resource-efficient and climate-smart waste ecosystem that supports economic development and environmental sustainability in Lagos and across Nigeria.
