The Lagos State Government has secured communities’ support for a proposed Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Agbowa, Epe.
The facility is expected to strengthen waste recovery and recycling, while reducing the volume of waste ultimately disposed of at landfills.
The government secured the commitment after engaging traditional rulers and leaders of Owu Ikosi and Agbowa Ikosi communities on Monday.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said community acceptance was necessary to prevent disagreements over the project.
“It is a major development we are bringing to that site,” Wahab said.
He said the meeting was convened to resolve outstanding concerns and ensure all stakeholders were adequately carried along before work commenced.
Wahab said the proposed MRF should be viewed as a major development initiative rather than merely a waste recovery facility.
He said the state had been deliberate in distributing critical infrastructure and development projects across Lagos.
The commissioner assured the communities that their concerns would receive due consideration before implementation of the project.
“We do not want to make any mistake,” he said, stressing the need for frank and honest discussions among stakeholders.
Wahab said the state government would not impose the project without carrying the affected communities along.
He added that relevant government agencies would continue working with traditional institutions and communities to resolve issues arising from the project.
The commissioner said agreed positions from the meeting would be formally documented through correspondence to all stakeholders.
The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr Kamar Olowoshago, expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and community leaders for their constructive engagement.
Olowoshago said he was pleased that work could now commence at the Agbowa location, following the commencement of work at Erekiti in Badagry.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Gaji Omobolaji, said the MRF would strengthen waste recovery, recycling and resource utilisation.
He said the facility would also support efforts to reduce the volume of waste ultimately disposed of at landfills.
Omobolaji said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remained committed to implementing sustainable environmental solutions across Lagos.
He added that communities would remain active partners in projects directly affecting them.
Responding jointly, the traditional rulers expressed support for the development initiative, while urging proper consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
The traditional rulers, Oba Owolabi Momson and Oba Nelson Ogunlari, pledged their communities’ support for the immediate commencement of the project.
They said the communities were not opposed to development, adding that the project presentation and proposed facilities were satisfactory.
The traditional rulers, however, urged the state government to ensure that all components contained in the project plan were fully implemented.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr Mahmood Adegbite, and Acting Surveyor-General, Mr Olalekan Odupe.
Others included the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Executive Director, Finance, LAWMA, Mr Kunle Adebiyi, and other ministry officials.
