- The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has launched the Ikosi Market anaerobic digester to convert organic waste into biogas and fertiliser.
- The project, supported by global climate partners, signals Lagos’ push toward a circular economy and climate-smart waste management.
The Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has officially launched the Ikosi Market Anaerobic Digester under a waste-to-energy initiative aimed at improving waste management and clean energy generation in Lagos. The project is powered through the C40 Cities Urban Climate Action Programme and financed by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with additional support from the British High Commission in Nigeria.
The facility will collect organic waste from Ikosi Market and process it inside an anaerobic digester. Natural bacteria will break down the waste without oxygen. As a result, the system will produce biogas for cooking and electricity, alongside organic fertiliser for agriculture.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the project as a milestone in tackling waste management challenges. He said the plant demonstrates how Lagos can convert everyday environmental problems into sustainable economic opportunities.
According to him, the facility will prevent organic waste from decomposing in dumpsites. Instead, it will generate clean energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser. He added that the project represents circular economy principles by reducing emissions, creating value and improving livelihoods.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the project reflects the state’s long-term waste-to-wealth strategy. He explained that converting market waste into energy will improve sanitation, strengthen public health. It will also support climate-smart waste management systems.
Gbadegesin added that the success of the Ikosi project could encourage replication across other Lagos markets, including Mile 12 Market. He stressed that Lagos recognises waste as a valuable economic resource rather than a disposal burden.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Gaji Tajudeen, highlighted the importance of partnerships in delivering the project. He said the facility shows how innovation and collaboration can solve long-standing environmental challenges. It will also support renewable energy and agricultural productivity.
The FABE Foundation, which implemented the project, said the digester will help secure food systems in Lagos by producing eco-fertiliser for farmers. The organisation added that replication plans are already underway across additional markets.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems will support distribution of fertiliser produced by the plant to farmers. This step will help close the loop between waste management and food production.
Officials and partners said the project demonstrates how global climate commitments can translate into local, community-level impact. They added that similar projects could help Lagos reduce emissions, strengthen resilience and expand access to clean energy solutions across urban communities.