Lagos Transforms Waste into Economic Opportunities

Lagos is evolving its waste management approach, moving from traditional disposal methods to a circular economy model where waste is viewed as a resource. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) reports a significant increase in recycling companies from three to 78, resulting in the creation of over 6,000 jobs.

Additionally, 590 jobs were generated in marine waste management. In April 2025, LAWMA announced a partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance to enhance sustainable plastic-value chains, planning four plastic-waste collection facilities and 30 collection points across Lekki and Lagos Mainland.

This initiative aims to aggregate and process collected materials, integrating them into an industrial supply chain. Furthermore, LAWMA identified textiles as comprising eight percent of the city's waste stream and announced plans to promote recycling and upcycling of textile waste, further contributing to the circular economy.