Lagos moves to boost macro threshold in circular economy, annouces hotspot 2023
By Moses Adeniyi
To further leverage on the advantage of circular economy to optimise preserving waste for further production with economic value, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced steps to further engagement with stakeholders to explore possibilities of the recycling industry.
Consequently, the Government has announced plans to convene the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot 2023 (LCEH2023), billed for Wednesday 26th, and Thursday 27th, July, to explore new opportunities to boost the recycling industry in the State.
The Circular Economy Hotspot is an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands which is to serve as a platform to foster co-creation and highlight cities and societies transition towards circular economy.
The Lagos State Government aims the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot will highlight the critical role the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in driving innovation, fostering sustainable solutions, and driving entrepreneurship.
Recall that the Lagos State, under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on 2nd December, 2020, organised a Roundtable on Circular Economy, bringing together all stakeholders, businesses, and citizens on this journey towards a resourceful and waste free economy.
At a Press Conference to herald the organisation of the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot 2023 (LCEH2023), the Permanent Secretary, Office Of Environmental Services, Lagos State, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen, said the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot avails the opportunity to highlight how Lagos State is transitioning towards the circular economy.
According to Omobolaji, since the roundtable organised in December 2020, citizens and businesses have continued the conversation on how to utilise the waste and resources in Lagos with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of the discussion as well as the industry.
“To demonstrate government’s commitment, a Technical Working Group on Circular Lagos was constituted with the objective of driving the framework and a roadmap for the transition.
“With all these activities and interactions, the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot avails us the opportunity to highlight how Lagos State is transitioning towards the circular economy and how our businesses and citizens are co-creating innovation,” he said.
According to him, the initiative will also allow deepening the conversation further with efforts to build on climate adaptation policy, the 30-year Lagos Development Plan, and the role of each and every stakeholder in building a sustainable city.
“Lagos, as a sub national in the forefront of creating models for development which other States and cities in Africa emulate, is at it again as the first host of this laudable event on Africa.
“We desire that the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot will highlight the critical role the SMEs play in driving innovation, fostering sustainable solutions, and driving entrepreneurship,” he added
The Circular Economy Hotspot has previously been hosted in Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Catalonia Spain, and Dublin, Ireland this April.
According to a recycler, Miss Adejoke Lasisi, the pioneer of planet3R, an establishment specialised in conversion of plastic bags such as pure water and detergent nylons to make bags, there are much to be explored in the recycling industry.
Another recycling expert, Olatundun Taiwo, the CEO of Miketilda Waste Recycling Hub, said the industry holds expansive opportunities the Government must leverage on by supporting entrepreneurs.
