On Friday, the Lagos State Government made a significant stride in tackling electronic waste by signing a Letter of Intent with a Dutch company to establish a smelter plant in Lagos. This initiative aims to efficiently manage the state’s substantial e-waste deposits, marking a major step forward in environmental sustainability efforts.
At the signing ceremony held in Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that the initiative is aimed at bolstering Lagos’ economy. Representing the State, Wahab highlighted the project’s potential to significantly enhance economic growth and development in the region.
The launch of the new smelter plant promises to generate employment and stimulate economic growth by transforming electronic waste into valuable products.
Wahab emphasized that the attendance of the Consul General of the Netherlands at their event signaled a strong endorsement of “Close the Loop BV,” highlighting the company’s exceptional capabilities and growing reputation.
He highlighted electronic waste as a significant issue often overlooked. However, Lagos has taken pioneering steps to address it, putting the city ahead of many states and countries in the region. Lagos is now not only managing electronic waste effectively but also transforming it into valuable resources.
He shared how widespread ignorance about proper disposal of electronics and e-waste heightens pollution risks, painting a vivid picture of environmental peril.
In discussing the mishandling of e-waste, he emphasized its dire environmental impact, highlighting how discarded electronics often find their way into landfills, get incinerated, or are exported to developing nations for recycling.
“Before now, what usually happens to our electronic waste? Government put them together, ship them out, reconvert them to value, bring them in to sell to the people again” he said.
In Lagos, a bustling cityscape, a daily symphony unfolds with 13 thousand tons of waste. Here, a third finds its way into the transformative realm of waste-to-wealth initiatives, where trash becomes treasure. Another third embarks on a journey into the intricate world of electronic waste, fostering innovation and sustainability. The final portion ignites a spark of energy, powering the city’s ambitions with its potent resources. This cycle not only manages waste but also fuels hope for a cleaner, greener future in Lagos.
In his impassioned plea, he urged residents to embrace their surroundings, to cherish and safeguard the very infrastructure that knit their community together. It was a call not just for responsibility, but for a shared sense of ownership, where every lamppost and park bench held a piece of their collective story, waiting to be preserved for generations to come. “Don’t dispose waste into the drainage system. You are the ones paying the tax, so the government provide infrastructure from the taxes you pay. As a good citizens you must always say something when the arises”.
Mr. Rotimi Akodu, the Special Adviser on Environment, expressed readiness for collaboration in Lagos, emphasizing a commitment to resolve issues effectively. He noted that officials from “Close the Loop BV” displayed keen readiness for the task ahead.
“We have a lot of waste in place that we don’t know what to do with them, but now is the time. We just worked on the conversion of waste to wealth. We just signed the conversion of waste to energy and now we are taking care of our electronic waste. Am sure that no state imagined that it is possible. It is something we welcome and ready to partner you” he said.
Consul General Michel Deleen of the Netherlands praised the Lagos Government’s proactive approach, highlighting their swift response to recent heavy rainfall. He noted that despite the flash floods that followed, they quickly dissipated within hours of the rain ceasing, showcasing effective management of natural challenges.
“The truth is most Developed countries with infrastructure in place still experience flash flood when it rains incessantly “he said
In a visionary move, the Netherlands government is joining forces with Lagos to revolutionize waste management, transforming trash into treasure. This pivotal moment marks just the beginning, with the signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI) heralding a crucial step in addressing this pressing global challenge. Together, they aim not only to extract value from waste but also to pave the way for a sustainable future.
Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers, enthusiastically welcomed the partnership, foreseeing substantial mutual benefits for both entities.
