The Lagos State Government and the C40 Cities on Monday collaborated to launch and hand over the iconic Ikosi Fruit Market Biodigester Plant for the conversion of generated organic waste into energy.
Speaking during the Launch and Handing over ceremony, held at the Ketu Fruit Market, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said that the facility is a resounding success for Ikosi community, the State and for generations to come.
He said Lagos State and C40 cities is not commissioning a facility but unveiling a vision on how Lagos can turn the everyday challenges into powerful opportunities, saying the Biogas Plant represents a bold step in re-imagining waste, not as a burden, but as a valuable resource that can drive sustainability, resilience and inclusive growth.
He emphasized that the bio-gas would be used for electricity and cooking gas while the high-quality organic fertilizer can be packaged and sold back to the local farmers in order to strengthen the resilience of the food system by improving the soils, closing the nutrient loop and promoting sustainable agriculture.
He added that the facility will systematically collect the market’s organic waste and feed it into an anaerobic digester saying in this controlled environment, natural bacteria will break down the waste without oxygen to produce biogas, and in doing so will carry out a remarkable process of biological transformation that yields two invaluable products, biogas and biofertilizer.
According to him, “the project goes far beyond Ikosi. It reflects a much bigger ambition for Lagos State. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with C40 Cities and UK International Development under the Climate Action Implementation programme”.
“Through this collaboration, Lagos continues to show leadership by translating international climate commitments into practical, community-level action” he added.
Wahab said the Biogas Plant is more than machinery and pipes but it is a symbol of transformation adding that the launch affirms a simple but powerful truth which states that the future of sustainable cities is built not only in boardrooms and policy documents, but right in the markets, communities and in the daily activities of all.
He explained that Ikosi fruit market on a daily basis generate tons of organic waste from fruit peels to vegetable trimmings to unsold produce just like many markets across the state, saying these materials have traditionally ended up in landfills or open dumps.
He added that the wastes clogged the drains, create unpleasant odours, pose serious health risks and added to the growing waste problem in the city saying when these wastes decompose, it releases methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change and also degrades the environment and undermines public health.
He said the project has transformed a long-standing problem into a practical solution instead of rotting in dumps adding that organic waste from this market will now be converted into clean, sustainable biogas for cooking and electricity.
He added that it will produce nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that can be used on the farms saying this is circular economy in action and includes closing the loop, reducing emissions, creating value and improving livelihoods.
The Commissioner said while the world debates climate change in conference halls, Lagos is implementing real solutions on the ground in the markets and in the neighbourhoods.
He said the government is proving that climate action can be local, practical and economically sensible as such Lagos is showing that a traditional market can be a leader in the green economy of the 21st century.
He stated further that by formalizing and improving waste management in this market, improving sanitation conditions for traders, workers and residents. Clean markets mean healthier communities, reduced disease transmission, and a more dignified environment for everyone.
He added that the initiative perfectly demonstrates the circular economy:fruit is grown, sold and consumed; the waste is converted into energy and fertilizer; and that fertilizer goes back to the soil to grow more fruit. Nothing is wasted.
He reiterated that Lagos State celebrated a vision where waste transforms into wealth, environmental responsibility meets economic opportunity and local innovation addresses global challenges.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary office of Environmental Services said the project represents the power of innovation, collaboration and technology adding that for a long time traders have grappled with the challenge of waste management.
He stressed that the Ikosi Fruit Market Biogas Plant provides an ingenious solution that is transforming what is once considered “waste” into valuable resources.
He encouraged everyone to explore the facility, engage with the team and witness firsthand how waste is transformed into energy which is a true symbol of progress and hope for the environment.
In his speech, the C40 Cities Regional Director, Africa Mr Anthony Okoth expressed appreciation and gratitude for the completion of the project saying the biodigester will work to treat and convert waste right from the market.
He said C40 Cities collaborates with other 14 countries around Africa stating that Lagos is the biggest of these cities and their collaboration is working to address sanitation waste matter and climate change issues
In her remarks, the Mayoress of Ikosi- Isheri LCDA Princess Abolanle Bada represented by the Vice Chairman Hon. Olayinka Ogunleye appreciated the Lagos State Government and C40 Cities for choosing Ikosi as a beneficiary of the project.
He added that the initiative will improve sanitation within the market as well as empower the market traders thereby strengthen local economy.
He was elated that the project will provide reliable electricity to support daily activities in the market saying this will reduce energy cost and increase productivity translating into a cleaner and sustainable environment.
