(UPDATED) Circular Economy: Lagos, The Netherlands partner to create 4,000 jobs in waste management
Ayodele Olalere
The Lagos State Government and Kingdom of The Netherlands, on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create 4,000 jobs in waste management in the state.
The MOU was signed at Africa’s first edition of Circular Economy held in Lagos tagged Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot with the theme ” Towards a Circular and Resourceful Economy: The Future Lagos.”
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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who signed for the state said the summit was ‘ a pragmatic approach and a fundamental tool to address global crises such as pollution, climate change and loss of biodiversity.
He said to sustain a resilient socio-economic development for Lagos, there is a need to create a model of production and consumption which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as many times and for as long as possible.
This, he said, will create more jobs and make Lagos ‘an even greater Mega City.’ He admitted that the state is fighting hard against climate change or adapting to its impact, but gave assurance that his administration is committed to ensuring that resources are reused again and again in order to minimise waste.
The Deputy Consular-General of Netherlands, Lagos office, Leonie Vande said Netherlands is partnering with Lagos to turn waste to energy by providing technical knowledge needed for circular economy. She said 4,000 jobs will be created from the partnership.
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The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Omobolaji Gaji, said environmental hazards could be minimised by implementing circular solution, adding the state is committed to change of its economy eliminates waste and embrace regenerating natural system.
The Executive Director, African CircularEconomy Network, Oluwakemi Ajakaye said Lagos was chosen as the first host of the summit in Africa because ‘ it is a creative circular economy .’
