Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that the principles of a circular economy are the driving force behind Lagos State’s aggressive strategy to transform environmental waste into economic wealth.
Speaking on Monday at the 2026 Nigeria Circular Economy Week held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that sustainability is no longer a distant ideal but a practical necessity for the state’s resilience and growth.
“The concept of circular economy has inspired us to adopt innovative approaches and enable us to reclaim values where they are currently being wasted,” the Governor stated, in a speech delivered by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab.
From Enforcement to Economic Opportunity
Addressing the theme Turning Challenges into Markets, the Governor linked recent urban renewal efforts including the clearing of illegal structures under bridges and the removal of drainage blockages directly to the circular economy. He noted that these enforcement actions go beyond public safety; they are about reclaiming land and infrastructure as valuable assets.
The Governor explained that clearing drainage channels extends the lifespan of roads and public works, while reclaiming under-bridge spaces opens doors for organized public use, such as transport hubs, green spaces, and community facilities.
“Our next step is to transform these enforcement successes into economic opportunities,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Demolition and clearance efforts yield recoverable materials like metals, timber, and plastics. These reclaimed areas can become hubs for repairs, recycling, and green businesses.”
Strengthening the Green Framework
To ensure these systems outlast his administration, the Governor outlined several tangible steps the state is taking, including Strengthening Regulatory Clarity through Backing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, Infrastructure Expansion by partnering with the private sector to grow recycling capacity, SME Support, by assisting small businesses that convert waste into marketable products, and Formalizing Recovery rendered by creating official pathways to recover materials from demolition and clearance activities.
Global Partnerships and Policy
The event also highlighted the state’s rigorous stance on pollution. During a panel session, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, represented by the Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Mr. Michael Bankole, reminded stakeholders of the 2022 ban on single-use plastics, including bags, straws, and cutlery.
The Netherlands Ambassador, Bengt Van Looschrecht, commended the state’s progress, noting that Lagos has been identified as the initial pilot model for circularity under the Nigeria Circular Economy Programme. He reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to helping Nigeria address the “triple climate crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by calling for deeper collaboration, urging manufacturers to design products with recyclability in mind and inviting investors to back growing circular enterprises in the state.
