The Lagos State Government and a Ghana Waste Management company, JONSPONG, on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to treat solid and liquid wastes in the state.
The MoU was signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, for the state.
The Executive Chairman, JOSPONG Group, Dr. Joseph Agyepong, signed for his firm.
It will amongst other things establish a Material Recovery Facility to reduce downstream pressure (waste disposal volume) at landfills.
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The MOU will also involve putting in place a Compact/Mobile Transfer loading stations to replace current stationary plants and reduce waste at pressure points such as markets.
Speaking at the event, Wahab noted that the signing of the MoU is a major milestone in the journey towards transforming the landscape of waste management in Lagos State.
He said the challenges of solid and liquid wastes management in a rapidly growing megacity like Lagos with its vibrant population, bustling markets, and dynamic industries generates substantial amounts of waste that requires innovative, sustainable management solutions.
He said it is the responsibility of the Government, as a steward of the city’s future, to address these challenges head-on.
Wahab said the partnership with the Jospong Group, a leader in environmental and waste management services in Africa, represents a great leap in government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Lagosians through effective waste management.
He said: “As we gather to sign this Memorandum of Understanding between the Lagos State Government and the Jospong Group of Ghana; we are not just signing a document; we are inaugurating a partnership that embodies our shared vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos.”
The Commissioner said the two bodies will develop integrated solid and liquid waste management facilities that will not only meet the current needs of the city, but also anticipate the demands of the growing population.
He mentioned that the collaboration will focus on the pillars of technology, advocacy, enforcement and the promotion of circular economy innovations such as recycling, composting, reuse and waste-to-energy projects saying these efforts are crucial to reducing the environmental footprint of waste, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development in Lagos.
He restated that the journey to effective and efficient waste management in the State requires dedication, innovation and collaboration, adding that when managed wisely, it will contribute to the economic and environmental health of the city.
Earlier in his remarks, Agyepong said the problem of environmental sanitation is not a matter of convenience but a cornerstone of public health as stipulated by the Sustainable Development Goal 6 of Clean Water and Sanitation.
He added that regrettably, millions of the citizens continue to suffer due to inadequate access to infrastructure, proper sanitation facilities, and water treatment facilities.
He said according to a report by the Lagos State Waste Management Agency, the State produces approximately 13,000 tons of waste per day and the focus mainly by Jospong is on downstream waste management and not waste collection.
He assured upstream operators, that is waste collectors, that plans are in place to support them with equipment to make their work much more effective and efficient.
He promised to provide 2,000 tricycles to support the Association of Waste Managers in Lagos State on waste collection.
He added that the collaboration will be done with the Lagos State Government through its parastatals: LAWMA and Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, with the aim to see an overall improvement in waste management in Lagos State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, noted that Lagos as the commercial nerve center of Nigeria experiences influx of migrants with consequences like overpopulation, increasing environmental pollution and waste problem, which have become matters of serious concern to this Administration.
Gaji said: “With the Memorandum of Understanding we are signing today, I believe it is a new dawn for the City of Lagos and in no time we will have issues related to solid waste management becoming a history.
“I very much look forward to seeing the fruits of our collaboration, for a clean and healthier Lagos.”
Also present at the event were the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN); Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi; as well as the Chairman House Committee on Environment, Hon. Taiwo Afinnih; and Chairman Committee on Environment Parastatal, Hon. Rasheed Shabi; Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, and several other stakeholders from Ghana and the financial sector.