Lagos State is set to build new material recovery and recycling plants in Ikorodu and Badagry, signing a deal with ZoomLion Nigeria Ltd to modernize waste management and decommission the Olusosun and Solous III dumpsites

[dropcap]L[/dropcap]agos State is embarking on a significant overhaul of its waste management system with the planned construction of new material recovery plants (MRFs) and waste recycling facilities in Ikorodu and Badagry.

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These facilities are critical components of the state’s strategy to transition towards a sustainable, modern waste management approach.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently presided over the formal signing of a Waste Management and Processing Concession Agreement between the State Government and ZoomLion Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Jospong Group of Companies.

This pivotal deal is designed to reinforce the Sanwo-Olu administration’s vision for environmental sustainability, aiming to promote urban hygiene and healthy living.

Lagos currently generates approximately 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, highlighting the pressing need for robust infrastructure.

The new concession will not only enhance the state’s waste processing capabilities but also lead to the construction of Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) at the Olusosun Dumpsite in Ketu and the Solous III Dumpsite in Igando.

The signing of agreements will completely change the strategy, management, output and outcome of how waste management is conducted in Lagos.

These stations will enable the closure and full decommissioning of both existing dumpsites.

The TLS at Olusosun will support the daily diversion of 2,500 tonnes of waste to the new MRF in Ikorodu, while the Solous III TLS will divert 1,500 tonnes of waste daily to the new MRF in Badagry.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement also includes the deployment of self-tipping tricycles to improve waste collection in hard-to-reach areas. All projects are slated for completion within the next 18 months.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the agreement as “a turning point,” expressing confidence in the private partner’s proven expertise.

“The signing of agreements will completely change the strategy, management, output and outcome of how waste management is conducted in Lagos,” he stated.

The Governor emphasized that this initiative is expected to create “thousands of jobs that would be dignified, enduring and sustainable,” rather than causing job losses.

He also highlighted the potential for waste recycling to generate useful resources and explore future opportunities in carbon credits, biodiversity, and biofuel.

Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, underscored the initiative’s timeliness, noting that the state can now “generate wealth from tonnes of waste generated.”

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He affirmed that the project represents a “watershed” moment, moving Lagos from a linear waste management system to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach.