In a significant step towards addressing the mounting challenges of urbanisation and waste management in Lagos, Germany has initiated a groundbreaking initiative, the Circulary digital platform, to collect, manage, and process waste in the state.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and the Chambers for GreenTech (DIHK Service GmbH), Circulary aims to revolutionize waste management in Lagos state while fostering collaboration between Nigerian and German businesses.
With a clear mission to create a circular economy for sustainable waste value chain growth, this digital marketplace holds immense potential for transforming the way Lagos manages its waste.
The Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, Timo Pleyer, highlighted the undeniable challenges that Lagos State faces, including overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, transportation, energy access, water supply, and waste management.
Despite the staggering annual generation of millions of tonnes of household waste in the state, a mere 30% are properly collected and processed. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Pleyer and his team conducted an extensive assessment of Lagos State’s waste sector. This assessment paved the way for the implementation of the Circulary digital marketplace, a revolutionary platform designed to connect and streamline all aspects of the waste value chain in the state.
The Circulary platform boasts custom features such as a marketplace for recyclable materials which is akin to eBay, information hubs, and matchmaking algorithms. These features will serve to create a local free market for recyclable materials and recyclates across various waste categories.
Additionally, the platform will promote business partnerships, facilitate access to Made-in-Germany technologies and products, offer market entry and expansion opportunities in both Nigeria and Germany and provide access to reliable information to encourage investment in the sector.
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More on the waste management platform
Effective waste management remains a significant problem in Lagos, despite efforts by the government and private organisations to address the issue. The sight of piles of rotting waste in almost every corner of the city has become commonplace. However, with the launch of the technology, Germany is hoping to assist in improving waste management in the state.
Weert Borner, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, emphasised the German government’s commitment to promoting sustainability and green business practices in partnership with Nigeria.
As part of this partnership, the digital circular economy marketplace is being implemented in Nigeria, starting with Lagos State, one of Africa’s largest economies. This initiative represents a significant step toward making businesses in Lagos more environmentally friendly.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), expressed optimism about the vibrant economy and dynamic ecosystem of Lagos, which provide exciting market opportunities for sustainable waste management solutions. She highlighted that the circular economy is gaining traction in Nigeria as the government takes initiatives to promote sustainable development and create market opportunities.
The core principle of the circular economy is to minimize waste and maximize the value of resources by promoting recycling, reuse, and regeneration. This approach aligns with creating jobs and transitioning to renewable energy sources, contributing to a sustainable future for Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
Olugbenga Adebola, the National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), lauded the Circulary platform for its potential to provide exposure and encourage more efficient and effective waste collection. With the platform’s capabilities, waste segregation can become a reality, further enhancing the sustainability and environmental impact of waste management in Lagos.
Read also: The tale of a Lagos-based electric vehicle owner
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