In a major step towards addressing plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to implement a sustainable plastic waste management initiative in Lagos State.

The project, tagged UNIDO Project 210184: “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices”, is funded by the Government of Japan. It aims to build Nigeria’s capacity for inclusive and sustainable industrial development by tackling plastic waste at its source through circular economy strategies.

As part of the initiative, four plastic waste collection facilities and 30 designated collection points will be established across Lekki and the Lagos Mainland. LAWMA will provide land and essential infrastructure, while UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative.

Speaking at the official launch, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed that land parcels for the project had been secured in both Lekki and the Lagos Mainland. He revealed plans for a collaborative model with a local school in the Mainland area, combining a recycling centre with an educational facility to promote environmental learning.

Dr. Osuji Otu, National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, underscored the importance of the initiative, stating that the collaboration marks a critical move towards environmental reform. “LAWMA, UNIDO, and FBRA are united in their commitment to environmental progress. This pilot in Lagos and Abuja will serve as a foundation for a national waste management strategy,” he said.

Dr. Otu also called for greater involvement of other environmental agencies, encouraging them to support similar programs to advance national sustainability goals.

In his welcome address, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, LAWMA’s Executive Director of Finance, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the authority’s mission to promote effective waste management and environmental sustainability. He noted that the project, initiated in 2022, would help strengthen the state’s recycling capacity and support broader environmental goals.

A cooperation committee comprising representatives from UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA has been established to oversee the implementation of the project. The committee is tasked with monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies through a transparent process, and resolving implementation challenges.

FBRA, a key partner in the initiative, is a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) mandated to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies within Nigeria’s food and beverage sector. Its role in the project includes driving community awareness campaigns in Lekki and Lagos Mainland.

With increasing concerns over the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, stakeholders believe the collaboration will play a crucial role in promoting recycling, creating green jobs, and strengthening the circular economy in Nigeria.

The project is scheduled to run until September 2026, with the partnership between LAWMA and FBRA expected to extend beyond the official timeline to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Notable attendees at the event included the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi; Vice Chairman of FBRA, Mr. Elhusseini Wassim; Executive Director of FBRA, Mrs. Agharese Onaghise; UNIDO National Programme Coordinator, Mr. Oluyomi Banjo; and senior management staff of LAWMA.