LAWMA explores solutions to environmental challenges at Lecture

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has explored the potential of biogas solutions to global environmental challenges like air pollution, climate change and water contamination among others.

The event was a lunch and learn lecture with theme: “Catalyzing Innovation through Collaboration: Unleashing the Power of the Triple Helix of Government, Industry and Academia” held at its headquarters, Ijora-Olopa.

Delivering the welcome address, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the Lunch and Learn Series as an informal but intellectually stimulating platform, designed to spark dialogue, encourage research, and enhance capacity within the agency.
He said, “This is an informal session, which is why it is called the Lunch and Learn Series. Programmes like this are a tradition in academic environments where they’ve been proven to contribute to academic and personal development significantly.

“We are replicating that model here at LAWMA because what we do is not just based on logistics; LAWMA is a scientific organization with scientific officers and we recognize the importance of academia in addressing waste management challenges.

“Therefore, we must prioritize research and continuous learning to develop strategic solutions tailored to our region’s specific needs. Initiatives like this are the way forward,”
In a keynote presentation, Prof. Mats Eklund, a globally recognized expert in sustainability and innovation, and scientific leader of the Biogas Research Center at Linköping University, Sweden, shared his insights on the potential of biogas solutions to address global challenges such as air pollution, climate change, water contamination, and soil health.

He illustrated how several environmental challenges could be addressed through several research works that had proved effective in many areas.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, expressed gratitude to Prof. Eklund for his valuable contribution to advancing innovation in waste management.
He stressed the ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia, to enhance knowledge sharing and impactful solutions.

Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director of Finance, shared LAWMA’s intention to leverage technological innovations to stay competitive with other developing countries, underscoring the many opportunities in waste management, with biogas research serving as a prime example.

An engaging question-and-answer session followed, where Prof. Eklund further elaborated on the importance of cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable waste management solutions.

He said: “People need to see waste differently, not as dirt or hazards, but as opportunities. Over time, people’s perceptions can change, and they will begin to see the immense potential in waste.”
The event was attended by many stakeholders, including Engineer Adebola Sabi, chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment Parastatal; Mr. Adedoyin Lasisi.

Director and Deputy Director of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources; Akin Alabi, Managing Director of Zoomlion Nigeria; Abubakar Habeebah; top lecturers from the University of Lagos, researchers, and LAWMA management staff.

This “Lunch & Learn” Series marks LAWMA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and leadership in operational excellence.

It is the first in a series of knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to foster innovation and build strategic partnerships in the waste management sector.