Ogun State to pioneer Waste-to-Fuel initiative

Ogun State is pioneering an ambitious environmental project aimed at converting over 3,000 tons of waste into fuel daily, a move that promises to position the state as a leader in waste-to-energy conversion in Nigeria.

This initiative was announced by the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, during the 2024 World Environment Day celebration held on Wednesday.

This year’s celebration, themed “Achieving the Smart City Agenda through Climate Change Resilience and Urban Afforestation,” highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable development and innovative waste management practices.

“We are taking a bold giant step in making sure that over 3,000 tons of waste generated in Ogun State daily is converted to fuel for our cement industries,” Oresanya stated. “We are doing this with the support of our main sponsors today, Gasco Marine, which is also into CNG production.”

Oresanya emphasized the state’s goal to achieve zero waste and transform all waste into an energy source, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s environmental management landscape.

“We are all poised to make sure that Ogun State will be the first state in Nigeria where we have zero waste and where all our waste would be converted to energy source,” he added.

The commissioner also highlighted the economic potential of this initiative, stating that it could create a new economic sector focused on the possibilities of a circular economy through green finance mechanisms for decarbonization.

In his keynote address, Prof. Zachariah Yaduma, Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, underscored the importance of efficient energy use, urban planning, and green infrastructure in achieving the smart city agenda. He advocated for robust policies and practices that integrate these elements to foster climate resilience and sustainable urban development.

Ogun State’s waste-to-fuel project is expected to set a precedent for other states in Nigeria, showcasing the viability of converting waste into valuable energy resources. This initiative not only aims to address waste management challenges but also to contribute to the state’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.