Lagos Launches Waste-to-Energy Plant at Ikosi Market

Lagos State has inaugurated a waste-to-energy biodigester plant at Ikosi Fruit Market, converting organic market waste into energy and fertilizer. The initiative, led by Tokunbo Wahab of the Lagos State Commission for Environment and Water Resources, is a partnership project with C40 City and UK International.

The plant is designed to convert fruit and vegetable waste into biogas for cooking, electricity, and fertilizers for farmers. The project targets the daily generation of tons of organic waste at the market, which previously ended up in drains or dumpsites, posing sanitation and environmental risks.

The biodigester plant is part of Lagos State's broader waste energy strategy to enhance resource efficiency and build a resilient city. It is expected to convert 2,500 to 3,000 tons of municipal solid waste into electricity daily by July 2025, benefiting around two million residents and reducing flooding risks.

The project, which includes private sector operations, aims for a 12% to 20% internal rate of return over 20 years.