New collaboration aims to convert municipal waste into electricity as part of state’s clean energy push
The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to collaborate with global technology powerhouse Siemens Group on a groundbreaking waste-to-energy initiative aimed at transforming the state’s growing municipal waste into a reliable source of electricity. The announcement was made on Tuesday via the government’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, signaling a strategic move in Lagos’ ongoing energy and environmental reform efforts.
According to the statement, the project will be jointly supervised by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, reinforcing a cross-sectoral approach to sustainable development in the state.
Waste as a Resource: Untapped Potential in Lagos
Lagos, home to over 20 million people, currently generates an estimated 13,000 to 14,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily. While a portion of this waste is already being utilized in waste-to-wealth initiatives — including partnerships with Lafarge Africa and a Dutch consortium — the government noted that a significant volume remains unexploited.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with Siemens officials in Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the need to expand waste conversion efforts. He pointed to ongoing developments such as the Epe power plant and material recovery facilities in Ikorodu and Badagry, aimed at reducing landfill use and integrating renewable energy into the state’s grid.
“A large share of Lagos’ waste remains untapped, creating opportunities for new waste-to-energy projects that can reduce environmental pressure and support clean energy goals,” Wahab stated.
Siemens to Offer Global Expertise
Durgen Schumann, Commercial Director of Siemens Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and global expertise in power generation, tailored to Lagos’ unique waste and energy landscape.
“We see Lagos as a city with tremendous potential for innovative waste-to-power solutions. Siemens is ready to work with the state to deploy sustainable infrastructure that tackles waste while increasing electricity supply,” Schumann said.
Creating an Enabling Environment for Private Investment
Echoing this sentiment, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted the importance of private sector participation in energy transformation. With Lagos rapidly urbanizing, he said the government is focused on creating a policy and investment environment that encourages companies like Siemens to invest and innovate.
“The role of private investment is critical. Our goal is to reduce energy gaps while solving environmental challenges in ways that are both economically and environmentally sustainable,” Ogunleye noted.
Building Momentum: A Series of Strategic Energy Initiatives
This collaboration with Siemens marks the latest in a series of efforts by Lagos State to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable waste management and energy innovation.
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In July 2025, Wahab announced a $400 million private sector-led waste-to-energy plant in Epe, expected to deliver a 12% internal rate of return over 20 years, supported by electricity tariffs and tipping fees.
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The government also secured a €120 million commitment from the Netherlands, to be channeled through the Harvest Waste Consortium, a Dutch firm engaged to execute one of Lagos' flagship energy projects.
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Earlier in February, Lagos signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lafarge Africa Plc to convert non-recyclable waste into alternative fuel for the company’s cement plant in Ewekoro — further aligning industrial activity with environmental goals.
A Model for Circular Economy and Urban Sustainability
By converting waste into energy, Lagos is embracing a circular economy model that simultaneously addresses urban sanitation, energy access, and climate resilience. The government’s approach, which blends policy, infrastructure, and private capital, could serve as a replicable blueprint for other African megacities grappling with similar challenges.
As the partnership with Siemens unfolds, the spotlight is now on execution — and whether this alliance will deliver tangible energy gains, reduce landfill pressure, and elevate Lagos’ profile as a forward-thinking, sustainable city.