The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to enhance sustainable plastic waste management across Lagos State through circular economy practices.
The collaboration, under the UNIDO Project 210184 titled “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices,” is funded by the Government of Japan.
It aims to bolster Nigeria’s capacity for inclusive and sustainable industrial development by tackling plastic pollution at its source.
As part of the initiative, four plastic waste collection centres and 30 designated collection points will be established across Lekki and Lagos Mainland.
LAWMA will provide the land and critical infrastructure for these sites, while UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development and spearhead public awareness campaigns under the Zero Plastic Waste initiative.
Speaking during the formalisation event, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed that land parcels had been secured in both municipalities.
He also revealed that LAWMA was exploring a partnership with a local school on the Mainland to co-locate a recycling facility with an educational centre to promote environmental awareness and community learning.
Dr Osuji Otu, National Programme Officer at UNIDO’s Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, highlighted the importance of the partnership in driving national environmental progress.
He stated, “LAWMA, UNIDO, and FBRA are united in their commitment to the environment. Abuja and Lagos have been chosen as pilot locations, with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) involved in the capital, and LAWMA and FBRA taking the lead in Lagos.”
According to Dr Otu, the project is designed as a model for a nationwide waste management strategy.
“Our aim is to implement a successful pilot that can be replicated across Nigeria. Its success will serve as a benchmark for future initiatives and help attract additional funding for wider implementation,” he explained.
He further called for the active participation of other sister agencies, stressing the global importance of environmental sustainability.
“Plastic waste management is a shared responsibility. I urge more agencies to align with such programmes and support both UNIDO and the Nigerian government in this critical endeavour,” he said.
In his welcome address, LAWMA’s Executive Director of Finance, Mr Kunle Adebiyi, noted that the project was initiated in 2022 to bolster the state’s recycling capacity and encourage collaborative efforts for broader environmental impact.
“This initiative is in line with LAWMA’s commitment to efficient waste management and sustainability. We are confident it will significantly advance our environmental goals,” he stated.
The implementation of the partnership is overseen by a cooperation committee comprising representatives from UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA.
The committee is responsible for monitoring project progress, selecting private-sector recycling firms through a transparent process, and resolving any implementation challenges.
FBRA, a key partner in the initiative, is Nigeria’s designated Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the food and beverage sector.
Formerly operating under a voluntary framework, the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies has now become mandatory.
FBRA will also lead community sensitisation campaigns across Lekki and the Mainland.
With rising concerns over plastic pollution and its health and environmental impacts, the project marks a significant step toward strengthening circular economy models in Lagos and Abuja—promoting recycling, reducing waste, and supporting green job creation.
The project is expected to run until September 2026, but the collaboration between LAWMA and FBRA is set to continue beyond the official timeline to ensure sustained impact.
Present at the event were the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Babatunde Ajayi; FBRA Vice Chairman, Mr Elhusseini Wassim; FBRA Executive Director, Agharese Onaghise; UNIDO’s National Programme Coordinator, Mr Oluyomi Banjo; and members of LAWMA’s management team.
