The Lagos State Government has pledged support for the Zero Waste Parliament, a coalition championing waste reduction initiatives aimed at cutting methane emissions and curbing plastic pollution.
The commitment was announced at an expanded Zero Waste Parliament meeting in Lagos, where stakeholders across the waste management sector gathered to deepen sustainability efforts in the state.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Faderera Koko, representing the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), described the initiative as critical to strengthening collaboration and advancing circular economy practices.
“This collaborative effort is crucial for promoting circular economy practices, conserving our natural resources, and protecting public health. We commend the dedication of our partners and participants, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting this movement,” she said.
Also addressing participants, Weyinmi Okotie, Clean Air Program Manager for the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and the Break Free From Plastic Movement in Africa, said the programme extends beyond advocacy by showcasing practical zero-waste models that can be scaled up.
He stressed the need to divert organic waste from landfills, reduce plastic pollution and ensure a “just transition” that formally integrates informal waste pickers into the system.
“We can all agree that it provides some services to our society, but it just needs to be regulated properly,” Okotie said.
Okotie also unveiled a Plastic Brand Audit Report designed to identify the sources of plastic waste collected during clean-up exercises. He argued that responsibility for pollution should extend beyond individuals and governments to producers.
“We are struggling to keep pace with the plastic we already have, and the plastic industry plans to increase production threefold. No matter how much we recycle, it will be too much if production continues unchecked,” he warned.
According to him, between 45 and 60 percent of waste generated is not properly managed, underscoring the need to tackle waste at the source. He added that reducing the volume of waste sent to dumpsites such as Olusosun would significantly ease management pressures.
Melody Enyinnaya, Programme Manager at Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), said the organisation is partnering with the state government to scale up community-driven waste solutions. She highlighted a project in Epe that empowers local youths while promoting environmentally friendly waste management without heavy capital investment.
“We have seen that we can do all of this even without spending much. When we invest heavily in waste-to-energy plants, we risk polluting the environment. But with community-driven solutions, there is no pollution, and the community is empowered,” she said.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that stronger collaboration, responsible production practices and grassroots engagement remain central to achieving a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
