The Lagos State Government has signed a transformative waste management and processing concession agreement with a Ghanaian-led technical partner.
EpeInsights reports that this is aimed at converting waste into valuable recyclables while tackling the long-standing waste crisis in the city.
The concession agreement, signed at a formal ceremony in Lagos, marks a significant step in the state’s journey toward sustainable waste management.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, and Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, represented the government, while Mr. Joseph Siaw-Agyepong, Executive Chairman of Zoom Lion Nigeria, signed on behalf of the company.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who witnessed the event, described the agreement as a “manifestation of strategy meeting vision.”
He said the partnership represents a win-win scenario that promises both environmental and economic benefits for Lagosians.
“This partnership is not just about waste collection,” Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized.
“It’s about innovation, job creation, and learning from the best practices across Africa. We’re looking to Ghana, which has made great strides in waste processing, and we’re ready to adopt proven solutions to reverse the waste menace in Lagos.”
Sanwo-Olu assured the technical partners of his administration’s full support, highlighting that the project aligns with the government’s larger agenda of creating a liveable and economically vibrant Lagos.
The initiative is expected to create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs while introducing advanced recycling technologies to local workers and entrepreneurs.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the signing as a watershed moment in the state’s environmental policy.
“This signals a shift from the outdated linear waste disposal system to a more circular economy,” Wahab said.
“We’re turning waste to wealth, and we’ve developed the framework to ensure that this collaboration succeeds. This project is about making Lagos not just cleaner, but also healthier.”
Wahab reiterated that the initiative would involve strategic collaboration with all key stakeholders in the state, including local governments, private sector participants, and community leaders.
On his part, Mr. Joseph Siaw-Agyepong expressed appreciation for the opportunity to partner with Lagos State and praised the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“Our team is fully committed,” he said. “This project will be completed in 18 months as agreed, and we’re bringing not just machines, but knowledge and innovation. We’re here to transfer technology and build local capacity.”
What to Expect
The project is designed to achieve multiple objectives:
- Recycle tons of waste daily
- Create at least 5,000 jobs
- Introduce cutting-edge waste conversion technology
- Empower local communities through training and employment
- Improve overall sanitation and reduce environmental hazards
This latest move reinforces Lagos State’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. With its growing population and urban challenges, the city needs bold solutions—and this partnership may just be the beginning of a waste revolution.
If executed as planned, the project could become a model for other Nigerian states grappling with similar challenges.
