The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has opened a fresh chapter in waste innovation by exploring the transformative power of biogas technology in tackling persistent global environmental challenges such as air pollution, climate change, and water contamination.
At a high-level knowledge-sharing session tagged “Lunch and Learn Series,” held at its Ijora-Olopa headquarters, the agency convened top voices from government, academia, and industry to foster collaboration on science-driven solutions to waste management, with biogas innovation taking centre stage.
Describing the event as a landmark in the agency’s research and innovation drive, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the initiative was tailored to spark critical thinking and deepen capacity building across the agency.
“This is an informal session, which is why it is called the Lunch and Learn Series. Programmes like this are a tradition in academic environments where they have been proven to contribute to academic and personal development significantly.
“We are replicating that model here at LAWMA because what we do is not just based on logistics; LAWMA is a scientific organization with scientific officers, and we recognize the importance of academia in addressing waste management challenges.
“Therefore, we must prioritise research and continuous learning to develop strategic solutions tailored to our region’s specific needs. Initiatives like this are the way forward,” he said.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Professor Mats Eklund—renowned sustainability scholar and scientific lead at the Biogas Research Centre, Linköping University, Sweden—emphasised the strategic importance of biogas as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution.
“People need to see waste differently, not as dirt or hazards, but as opportunities. Over time, people’s perceptions can change, and they will begin to see the immense potential in waste,” Prof. Eklund remarked during the interactive session.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, expressed appreciation to Prof. Eklund for bringing cutting-edge insights to bear on Lagos’ waste challenge.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to cross-sector collaboration, saying, “This kind of engagement reinforces our drive to strengthen innovation through partnership across government, academia and industry.”
Also, LAWMA’s Executive Director of Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, noted that the agency is positioning itself to compete with other developing countries through robust investments in innovation, research, and new technologies.
“Biogas research stands as a prime example of where real transformation can begin. Waste management is no longer a back-end logistic task. It’s now a frontier of opportunity for sustainability, energy, and circular economy,” he said.
Other key stakeholders present included Engineer Adebola Sabi, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment Parastatal; Mr. Adedoyin Lasisi, Director and Deputy Director, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources; Akin Alabi, Managing Director, Zoomlion Nigeria; Abubakar Habeebah; senior academics from the University of Lagos; and LAWMA executive leadership.
