The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to promote sustainable plastic waste management.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, made available on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Lagos.
The statement said that the initiative, tagged “UNIDO Project 210184: Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices,” is funded by the Government of Japan.
It said that the project seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for inclusive and sustainable industrial development by addressing plastic pollution at source.
“As part of the project, four plastic waste collection facilities and 30 designated collection points will be established across the Lekki and Lagos Mainland municipalities.
“While LAWMA will provide the land and essential infrastructure, as UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development, and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative,” it said.
The statement quoted LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, as saying that that the project required two land parcels each in Lekki and Lagos Mainland, which had been secured.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA was exploring a collaborative model with a local school to integrate an educational facility alongside the recycling centre, to foster environmental awareness and learning within the community.
The statement also quoted the National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, overseeing environmental projects and programmes, Dr Osuji Otu, as saying that they were united in ensuring the initiative’s success.
“LAWMA, UNIDO and FBRA are united in their commitment to the nation’s environmental progress, and we have chosen Abuja and Lagos as key locations for the initiative.
“In Abuja, we have the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB; in Lagos, we are working with LAWMA and FBRA to pilot the project.”
Otu explained that the goal of the project was to lay the groundwork for a nationwide waste management strategy.
“The aim is to implement a successful pilot that can be replicated across the country.
“The success of the initiative will serve as a benchmark for future efforts in Nigeria, which is why these two organisations must collaborate and ensure the project’s success.
“This will help attract additional funding and allow us to expand this model to other regions,” Otu said.
He also called for greater involvement of other sister agencies, urging them to embrace such initiatives.
Otu described environmental sustainability, particularly in plastic waste management, as a global priority.
“I encourage other agencies to align with these programmes and support both the Nigerian government and UNIDO in addressing this pressing issue,” Otu said.
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The statement quoted the Executive Director of Finance at LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, as saying that the project was initiated in 2022 by UNIDO, involving LAWMA and FBRA.
Adebiyi noted that the goal was to strengthen the state’s recycling capacity and fostering partnerships for the state’s broader environmental goals.
“This initiative aligns with LAWMA’s mission to promote efficient waste management and environmental sustainability in Lagos.
“We are optimistic that this project will contribute significantly to environmental sustainability,” Adebiyi said.
The statement said the collaboration was anchored by a cooperation committee made up of representatives of UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA.
According to the statement, the committee is tasked with monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies to operate the facilities under lease agreements, and resolving challenges that may arise during implementation.
It explained that the facilities would be managed by private sector operators selected through a transparent process based on predefined criteria.
The statement mentioned that FBRA, a key partner in the initiative, is a Producer Responsibility Organisation, responsible for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies in Nigeria’s food and beverage sector.
“FBRA’s role in the project also includes leading community awareness campaigns in Lekki and Lagos Mainland.
“With growing concerns over plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
“This collaboration represents a significant step toward strengthening a circular economy in Lagos and Abuja to reduce waste, promote recycling, and support green job creation,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the project is expected to run until September 2026.
It added that the partnership between LAWMA and FBRA would continue beyond the official timeline, to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
Over 400 million tonnes of plastic wastes are generated annually.
By Fabian Ekeruche