The Office of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) has taken another bold step in addressing the climate crisis and its socio-economic impacts with the launch of the ECOcirculate initiative. The program, which was inaugurated in Badagry, represents a powerful confluence of environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and community-driven action. It is designed to foster climate-friendly practices across all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos, promoting the circular economy as a practical tool to improve livelihoods while mitigating climate change.

ECOcirculate: Transforming Lagos One Community at a Time

ECOcirculate is more than just an initiative; it is a movement aimed at making sustainability accessible to all Lagosians. The program incentivizes communities, particularly nano and micro-businesses, to adopt circular economy principles—recycling, waste reduction, and resource optimization—to create tangible social and economic benefits. By encouraging people to rethink waste and embrace sustainable practices, the initiative is poised to drive a reduction in emissions and resource depletion while boosting job creation and economic activity.

At the heart of ECOcirculate is the vision to integrate Lagosians into the global movement towards a circular economy, which is already proving to be a transformative approach to sustainability worldwide. Lagos, Africa’s largest city and economic hub, generates an estimated 13,000 metric tonnes of waste per day. Without intervention, much of this waste contributes to pollution, public health hazards, and greenhouse gas emissions. ECOcirculate is tackling these challenges by turning waste into economic value, while also improving the quality of life for Lagos residents.

The Badagry Launch: A Blueprint for Expansion

The launch event in Badagry was a celebration of community engagement and the practical application of circular economy principles. Activities such as the waste-to-value bazaar, educational sessions, and entertainment showcased the myriad ways in which waste can be transformed into opportunities. Through the support of key partners like the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and IBILE Oil and Gas, ECOcirculate has already demonstrated its potential to create a ripple effect of positive change.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titi Oshodi, encapsulated the vision of the initiative: “ECOcirculate is more than just an initiative; it is a movement that positions Lagos State as a leader in sustainability. We are starting this journey in Badagry, but our vision is to expand this impact to all 57 LGAs in Lagos, ensuring that every resident can benefit from the circular economy.”

The Economic and Environmental Benefits

The circular economy offers a roadmap to a more sustainable future for Lagos. According to the World Economic Forum, the transition to a circular economy could cut global carbon emissions by 39% by 2030. For Lagos, this transition holds vast potential—not only for reducing environmental degradation but also for driving economic prosperity.

ECOcirculate is expected to generate thousands of new jobs, especially within the informal sector, which is central to the economic fabric of Lagos. By supporting nano and micro-enterprises in waste recycling, fashion, food processing, and energy, the initiative creates opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs to thrive, even as they contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.