Lagos has taken a significant step toward transforming household waste into economic opportunity with the launch of Collection Kiosks for used cooking oil. The initiative, led by Ororo Waste Management in partnership with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and supported by the Shell Foundation, seeks to integrate the informal economy into the city’s waste management system, empowering residents to earn a dignified living while promoting environmental sustainability.
The launch event, held at the LASEPA Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors who share a commitment to waste-to-value solutions, public health, youth empowerment, and responsible environmental management.
Environmental Protection Meets Economic Empowerment
In his welcome address, LASEPA’s General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, described the initiative as a strategic response to both environmental and economic challenges. He highlighted that used cooking oil plays a vital role in the global biofuel supply chain, noting that Lagos has the potential to unlock a market worth at least $20 million, given the city’s large population and extensive cooking activities.
Dr. Ajayi warned that improper disposal of used cooking oil contributes to major environmental problems such as blocked drainage systems, flooding, road damage, groundwater contamination, and disease outbreaks. He also pointed out the health risks associated with repeatedly reheating cooking oil, stressing the need for structured collection to protect public health.
The initiative will establish collection points across all LASEPA zonal offices, including the agency’s headquarters. Residents will be incentivized for turning in used cooking oil, creating a system that links environmental compliance with economic value. According to Dr. Ajayi, this approach is essential for encouraging voluntary participation and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Ororo Waste Management Drives Circular Economy
Ororo Waste Management’s Managing Director and Project Lead, Mr. Ayo Banjo, reiterated the company’s commitment to building a circular economy around used cooking oil. He explained that environmental sustainability and economic empowerment are closely connected, noting that household cooking oil accounts for 50 to 60 percent of used cooking oil generated in Lagos.
Mr. Banjo highlighted Ororo’s ongoing collaboration with LASEPA to drive compliance and collection efforts among restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens. The rollout of household kiosks represents the next phase of this initiative, extending collection beyond commercial settings to reach households across the state.
He emphasized that the program will create dignified income opportunities for waste pickers, youths, and micro-entrepreneurs, positioning Lagos—and Nigeria more broadly—as a significant contributor to the global biofuel supply chain.
Youth Participation Key to Success
Mr. Samuel Kappo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Union Affairs (Tertiary Education), praised the initiative as a move toward a safer and healthier Lagos. He highlighted the crucial role of students and young people in ensuring the program’s success, encouraging them to participate actively.
The event concluded with the official unveiling of the Household Used Cooking Oil Collection Kiosk Initiative by the General Manager of LASEPA, marking the beginning of the program’s rollout across Lagos State.
How Residents Can Participate
LASEPA urges residents to contribute to the program by depositing used cooking oil at designated Ororo UCO kiosks located at LASEPA zonal offices and approved collection points. The agency emphasized that this collective effort is essential for protecting the environment, safeguarding public health, and strengthening sustainable waste management practices in Lagos.