LAWMA Can Generate $2.5 Billion from Structured Operations

The Lagos Waste Management
Authority (LAWMA) has revealed that the state has the potential to generate up to $2.5 billion annually from a well-structured circular economy.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

According to Gbadegesin, the circular economy model, where materials are reused and recycled to minimize waste, has both economic and environmental benefits.

He stated that Lagos currently transports about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily to landfills under the traditional linear model, but adopting a circular economy could divert up to 10,000 tonnes of waste daily into productive uses, unlocking significant economic value.

“We were used to the linear model where waste is collected, dumped, and buried. Now, we are introducing a circular economy where waste has value. About 90% of our waste still has economic potential if properly sorted,” Gbadegesin explained.

To achieve this, LAWMA is pushing for waste sorting at the source, alongside the establishment of community recycling centers.

These hubs will allow residents to exchange recyclable materials, such as PET bottles, paper, metals, and food waste, for incentives, creating a sustainable recycling ecosystem.
“We need massive public sensitization and advocacy to drive this change. People must begin to sort waste at home, and we must have structured collection points where off-takers can process these materials,” Gbadegesin added.

The LAWMA boss noted that the agency is working with sister organizations to ensure the success of the initiative. While progress is being made, he admitted that more awareness is needed to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of a circular economy in Lagos.

The global circular economy market is estimated to be worth
10billion,withthepotentialtogenerateover4.5 trillion by 2030, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The President of the Lagos Recyclers Association (LAGRA), Femi Idowu-Adegoke, noted that Nigeria has been missing out on opportunities in the global circular market due to its inability to harness its potential.

Idowu-Adegoke urged Nigerians to develop a waste recycling mindset, where waste is no longer discarded but transitioned into other usable products like slippers, bags, and shoes. He emphasized that the circular economy covers both economic aspects, such as value addition, job creation, and GDP growth, as well as environmental aspects, focusing on materials and resources.

With proper implementation, Lagos could transform its waste management system, turning trash into a $2.5 billion annual revenue stream while promoting sustainability. This would not only benefit the environment but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

As the circular economy initiative gains momentum, Lagos residents are being encouraged to get involved and make a difference. With the potential to generate $2.5 billion annually, the circular economy is an opportunity that Lagos cannot afford to miss.