L-R: Viola Graham-Douglas, Director of Communication, Public Affairs, Sustainable development; Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc.; Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunboh Wahab; Head of Geocycle, Lafarge Africa Plc and Temitope Dosumu, Commercial Manager, Geocycle during the Memorandum of Understanding signing between Lafarge Africa and Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on the Sustainable take up of non-recyclable and combustible waste for cement production at Ewekoro Plant held at the Ministry of Environment, Lagos State today
Lafarge Africa, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturers of a range of cement brands, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on solid waste management with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources through the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in line with its ambitious zero waste to landfill objective.
Speaking during the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Environment’s Office, Alausa Secretariat on Monday, February 17, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the partnership with the Lagos state government as a unique opportunity to take a significant step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Alade-Akinyemi explained that with the signing of the MOU, Lafarge Africa intends to collect non-recyclable and combustible waste from companies and Lagos State dumpsites and divert it to the Ewekoro Plant as an alternative fuel for production. He added that managing waste effectively is critical to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and long-term economic development.
“By redirecting non-recyclable and combustible waste from companies and dumpsites across Lagos to our Ewekoro Plant, we are taking a significant step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. All of these will be powered by Geocycle, our waste management arm,” he said.
He noted that the partnership will strengthen Lafarge Africa’s leadership in sustainable construction and climate action and allow both parties to make meaningful contributions to sustainable waste management in Nigeria.
“We have successfully deployed waste-to-energy solutions globally, and today, we are extending that expertise to Lagos. The waste sourced through this partnership will be utilised as an alternative fuel in our cement kilns, replacing fossil fuels, reducing our carbon footprint, and contributing to Nigeria’s decarbonisation journey,” said Alade-Akinyemi
“Beyond the immediate advantages to Lagos state and Lafarge Africa, the broader environmental impact of this initiative is profound. By mitigating methane emissions from decomposing waste and reducing CO₂ emissions from traditional cement production, we take a crucial step in combating climate change,” he added.
In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab reaffirmed the state Government’s commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental preservation. He stated that the partnership between Lagos State and Lafarge Africa represents a significant step in the state’s journey towards achieving a cleaner and more sustainable city.
“As a government, we recognise that waste management is a critical component of our environmental policies, and we remain committed to fostering innovative collaborations that will help us reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and create a circular economy. This MoU reflects our shared vision for a Lagos where waste is effectively managed and utilised as a resource for economic growth and environmental sustainability”, he said.
Wahab disclosed that the state is aiming toward a zero-carbon footprint, stating that the MOU signing with Lafarge today ticks the box for that ambitious target. “Lagos generates between 13,000 and 15,000 tons of waste a day. That is huge. Well, we have stopped complaining. We have said to ourselves, we must address it frontally as a state. Waste management is a culture and it’s one that we must imbibe and build over time,” he added.
Also, the Managing Director of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the initiative as a milestone in the state’s journey toward a zero-waste future. “This partnership marks a historic step in Lagos State’s efforts to achieve sustainable waste management. We have worked closely with Lafarge Africa through extensive consultations, pilot studies, and site visits to ensure this initiative is viable and impactful. Waste management is not just about disposal; it is about innovation and creating value. With this collaboration, we are setting a new precedent in how municipal solid waste is processed and repurposed, reinforcing our vision of a circular economy where waste contributes to sustainable development rather than environmental degradation.”
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About Lafarge Africa Plc
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading Nigerian building solutions company, is a member of Holcim Limited, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group, Lafarge Africa is actively participating in the urbanization and economic growth of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.
Lafarge Africa has the widest footprint in Nigeria with cement operations in the South West (Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State), North East (Ashaka, in Gombe State), South East (Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State) with Ready-Mix operations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Lafarge Africa has a current installed cement production capacity of 10.5Mtpa.
Lafarge Africa leverages on its innovative expertise to provide value-added products and services solutions in the building and construction industry in Nigeria. Lafarge Africa Plc is renowned for the production of a wide range of cement solutions designed to meet all building and construction needs from small projects like individual home buildings to major construction projects. Additional information is available on the web site at www.lafarge.com.ng
About Holcim
Holcim builds progress for people and the planet. As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of its strategy Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success. The company is driving the circular economy as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. Holcim is the company behind some of the world’s most trusted brands in the building sector including ACC, Aggregate Industries, Ambuja Cement, Disensa, Firestone Building Products, Geocycle, Holcim and Lafarge. Holcim is 70,000 people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Solutions & Products.
More information is available on www.holcim.com
CONTACT
Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor
Head, Corporate Communications
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