In a landmark move toward environmental sustainability and circular economy integration, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in partnership with Ororo Waste Management and the Shell Foundation, has officially launched the Kiosk Initiative.
This program establishes dedicated collection points for household used cooking oil (UCO) across all LASEPA zonal offices, aiming to turn domestic waste into a catalyst for economic empowerment.
Speaking at the launch event, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunji Ajayi, began by acknowledging the Agency’s Directors for their steadfast commitment to innovative pollution management.
He emphasized that the initiative is designed to tap into a global supply chain that remains largely underutilized in Sub-Saharan Africa.
”Cooking forms a vital part of the global supply chain, and by formalizing the collection of used cooking, we are positioned to unlock a market valued at a minimum of $20 million,” Dr. Ajayi stated.
“Lagos ranks very high in terms of consumption and waste generation; therefore, this initiative is a deliberate effort to improve environmental protection and the lifestyle of our people. This starts at the household level, where citizens can now literally make money from their waste.” He noted.
The General Manager highlighted the environmental hazards of improper disposal, noting that oil spills on land and water severely degrade the ecosystem. “We don’t want used cooking oil ending up in our drainages, where it causes blockages and pollution. Our mandate is to manage pollution, but we are shifting our strategy from enforcement to voluntary compliance. By unlocking this value chain, we empower businesses and citizens alike.”
Dr. Ajayi also noted that Nigeria currently ranks as a leader in Africa for UCO collection potential. He expressed hope that by the end of the year, the state would see “substantial traction,” with the youth serving as the “vanguard” of the movement.
Supporting this vision, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, Director of the LASEPA Zonal Directorate, pledged the full cooperation of the agency’s 21 zonal offices. “We all know the dangers of poorly managed oil. Our zonal offices will not be sidelined; we will provide optimal support to ensure these collection points are accessible to every Lagosian,” he remarked.
Mrs. Olabisi Shonibare, Director of Partnership, Grants, and Innovation, described the project as a testament to the Lagos State Governor’s agenda. “Most people want to recycle, but collection is often the bottleneck. LASEPA is bridging that gap. We are moving toward a Zero Waste Lagos,” she said.
In a technical presentation, the MD/Project Lead of Ororo, Mr. Ayo Banjo, explained that the Kiosk Initiative creates an ecosystem where environmental sustainability and public health meet. “We have created a system where people are rewarded adequately for their waste.
This allows for meaningful conversations with the global market while focusing on personal impact, where everyday people can earn extra income. This is monumental; it is a step that will go down in history as a turning point for waste management in Nigeria.”
The Kiosk Initiative collection points are now active across LASEPA Zonal Offices, inviting all residents to turn their “waste to wealth” and protect the Lagos environment for future generations.
