Lagos, a bustling metropolis of over 20 million people, grapples with the immense challenge of managing 13,000 tonnes of daily waste. Nearly half of this waste, approximately 6,500 tonnes, is organic material, posing a significant environmental hazard if not properly managed. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has unveiled a pioneering organic waste management initiative, partnering with Proganics Limited, to tackle this formidable challenge and advance the state’s climate action goals. This initiative signifies a crucial step towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos.
The core of this initiative revolves around diverting organic waste from landfills, where its decomposition generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas significantly more harmful than carbon dioxide. By intercepting this organic waste at its source, LAWMA aims to mitigate methane emissions, directly contributing to the governor’s COP28 pledge to reduce greenhouse gases and solidify Lagos’s commitment to the global fight against climate change. This initiative is not merely a waste management strategy; it’s a critical component of the state’s broader climate vision.
The innovative core of this project lies in the deployment of Black Soldier Fly technology by Proganics Limited. Their newly established facility, boasting a daily processing capacity of 200 tonnes, utilizes these insects to bio-convert food waste into valuable resources: animal feed and bio-fertilizers. This circular approach not only addresses the waste issue but also unlocks economic potential by creating valuable byproducts, supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainable resource recovery. This embodies the concept of a circular economy where waste is viewed not as a liability but as a valuable resource.
LAWMA is bolstering this initiative with the deployment of smart waste management solutions. RFID-tagged green bins designated specifically for organic waste and IoT sensors will enable real-time monitoring of waste levels and optimize collection routes. This technological integration aims to enhance operational efficiency, minimize the nuisance of pests and unpleasant odours, and ultimately reduce waste management costs for businesses. This technology-driven approach positions Lagos as a leader in innovative waste management practices within Nigeria and potentially across the continent.
The success of this initiative hinges on the active participation of key stakeholders across diverse sectors. LAWMA is actively engaging with businesses in the hospitality industry, restaurants, event centres, hotels, and food and beverage manufacturers, urging them to prioritize the sorting and separation of organic waste. LAWMA will then act as an off-taker, collecting the separated organic waste and transporting it to the Proganics processing facility. Financial incentives and rebates are being considered to encourage compliance with the source separation policy. The collaborative effort across different sectors underscores the comprehensive nature of this initiative.
This partnership between LAWMA and Proganics Limited transcends simple waste collection; it represents a strategic move towards a more sustainable waste management model and the creation of a circular economy. The project generates employment opportunities, enhances food security through the production of animal feed and bio-fertilizers, and safeguards the environment through reduced methane emissions and resource recovery. This scalable model holds significant promise for replication in other cities across Nigeria, offering a viable solution for sustainable urban development. The initiative enjoys robust support from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the media, both recognizing the critical role it plays in building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Lagos.
