…holds a-day seminar on de-carbonisation of waste recycling
The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka in efforts to give Nigerians an unpolluted environment amid ravaging climate change menace, has concluded plans to host a day seminar on “De-carbonisation of Waste Recycling and Co-processing for Sustainable Climate Action”.
Akeem Abayomi, a senior lecturer in the department of chemistry at UNILAG disclosed this during a media parley on sustainable climate action in Nigeria through waste de-carbonisation and co-processing technology held on Thursday.
Abayomi explained that the seminar, which is jointly organised by the university’s research group, including TETFund Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management, the Centre for Environmental Human Resource Development and Green Hub, in partnership with Lafarge Africa, the Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), and other stakeholders.
“The multisector engagement will provide a platform for stakeholders to brainstorm on means to address the daunting challenges posed by the 32 million tons of waste generated annually across the country, out of which over 70 percent end up in overburdened landfills, a situation which has continually aggravated environmental degradation, caused surges in greenhouse gas emissions, and posed serious health risks,” he said.
The seminar, which is billed for Tuesday, April 22, is themed: “Sustainable Climate Action in Nigeria Through Waste Decarbonization and Co-processing Technology”.
Read also: UNILAG plans seminar on managing Nigeria’s yearly 32m tonnes of waste
According to the organisers, the seminar will delve into industrial opportunities in co-processing and recycling as pathways for climate mitigation.
“It will underscore the importance of research and development in driving sustainable waste technologies, while examining how the growing decarbonization value chain can stimulate job creation,” Abayomi noted.
Daniel Adedokun, head of geocycle and member of the executive committee at Lafarge Africa, speaking about the company’s efforts to mitigate the menace of environmental degradation, emphasised that climate change is an urgent challenge everyone faces.
“Lafarge is moving away from fossil fuel, though it’s a costly project. This is to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and to have a healthy environment,” he said.
Adedokun further revealed that Lafarge has been able to substitute 38 per cent and is targeting 55 per cent fossil substation in the near future.
He emphasised that there are massive opportunities in waste management for people and organisations to tap into.
Nsuabia Essein, Head of waste management research and policy development at LAWMA, who represented Muyiwa Gbedegesin, director/ chief executive officer at LAWMA, said the agency manages wastes beyond the state, hence, they need partnership with other organisations and investors.
“We always welcome any synergy that will help us achieve our goal of keeping the environment safe for human habitation.
“Lagos has the population, it’s an asset; Lagos has the waste, it’s also an asset,” he said, encouraging willing partners to see reasons to collaborate with LAWMA.
Speaking on the achievements of LAWMA, he said that the agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Harvest Waste and Lafarge Africa for waste collection and waste mining, respectively.
Besides, he disclosed that the agency has embarked on school advocacy to inculcate the idea that waste is power in the young ones, among other steps taken to make the state pollution-free.
However, Essein decried the poor attitude of people when it comes to waste management, which he said makes it difficult to control them.
He advocated for sanctions from the judiciary against waste management offenders, to enable the agency to optimise its efforts.
Adelopo AbdulGaniyu, principal quality control officer for waste, water, sewage and environment at UNILAG, speaking on the solution to the challenges of waste and environmental degradation, said, Nigerians are the solution to their own problems, and that the university’s research is geared towards internal solutions from citizens of the country.
“There must be value for waste, waste is your power, don’t throw it away.
“We in UNILAG are committed to providing opportunities for job creation in the waste management space,” he said.
