The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, has unveiled household used cooking oil collection kiosks across the state to enhance environmental protection, public health, and climate action, while tapping into a minimum $20 million biofuel market. The initiative, implemented in partnership with Ororo Waste Management and supported by the Shell Foundation, was launched on Thursday with officials, private sector partners, environmental experts, and youth representatives in attendance.
Dr Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, said the programme aims to position Lagos as a key player in the global biofuel supply chain while addressing pollution and health risks from improper disposal of used cooking oil. He noted that Lagos alone could generate about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s used cooking oil, highlighting the city’s potential in the global biofuel market.
Ajayi explained that used cooking oil, when reheated or disposed of in drains, poses serious health and environmental risks, contributing to blocked drains, road damage, flooding, and diseases. The new system elishes manned collection points at LASEPA zonal offices and headquarters, allowing households to earn income from turning in their used oil.
Mrs Dayo Adebayo, Director of Environmental Sustainability at LASEPA, described the initiative as inclusive and grassroots-driven, while Mr Ayo Banjo, Managing Director of Ororo Waste Management, said the programme expands beyond restaurants to households, creating an ecosystem for income generation and micro-entrepreneurship. Mrs Ayodele Oso, Director of Air Quality Management, added that the initiative will help reduce emissions and improve air quality.
The government emphasized that youths will serve as key drivers of awareness and participation, ensuring wide community engagement. The programme reflects Lagos’ commitment to climate action, circular economy practices, and sustainable development.
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