The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling plastic pollution, aligning with initiatives spearheaded by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation to promote sustainable waste management across the state.
The renewed pledge was announced at the Expanded Zero Waste Parliament held in Lagos, where key state institutions — including the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) — declared their support for the campaign.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of LASEPA’s General Manager, Mrs. Faderera Koko, the agency underscored the importance of collective action in addressing the growing waste crisis.
“We are delighted to witness the Expanded Zero Waste Parliament initiative taking root, bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors to advance sustainability and reduce waste across Lagos,” she said. “This unified approach is critical to promoting circular economy practices, conserving natural resources, and protecting public health.”
Representing the Ministry of the Environment, Yewande Obasa highlighted the significance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving long-term environmental transformation, noting that sustained partnerships remain key to delivering measurable impact.
The Ministry of Agriculture also expressed readiness to partner with the foundation, announcing that a designated site in Epe has been approved for a waste recycling project aimed at improving organic waste management.
In his keynote address, Clean Air Programme Manager, Weyinmi Okotie, drew attention to the environmental risks posed by unmanaged organic waste. He observed that vegetable waste accounts for nearly half of municipal waste generated in urban centres such as Lagos, yet remains largely neglected.
Okotie warned that the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste produces methane — a potent greenhouse gas responsible for about 30 per cent of global warming. He stressed the need for greater public awareness, particularly among market traders, to encourage proper disposal and recycling practices.
Calling for stronger regulatory and consumer pressure, he urged stakeholders to take decisive steps to “turn off the plastic tap,” compelling producers to reduce plastic output and adopt more sustainable production models.
The Expanded Zero Waste Parliament forms part of broader efforts to reposition Lagos as a leader in environmental sustainability, reinforcing policies aimed at reducing plastic dependence and promoting responsible waste management statewide.
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