Lagos, January 6^th. 2025. 

The Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy (OCCE) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation and sustainability through its active participation in high-impact forums like the 5th Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibition. This event, hosted by Lagos State, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to chart the course for a resilient and forward-looking Lagos. 

Speaking on a panel on Implementing Sustainable Technology Solutions for Reimagining Lagos, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, shared critical insights into the circular sector in Lagos. Speaking alongside the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology and private-sector pioneers, Mrs. Oshodi demonstrated OCCE’s capacity to bridge policy and practice, enabling stakeholders to harness sustainable technology for the benefit of Lagos. 

Mrs. Oshodi underscored the importance of embedding circular economy principles into technological advancements, showcasing how waste valorization—converting waste into valuable resources—can tackle climate challenges while fostering economic empowerment. “Effective waste management is not just about reducing environmental impact,” she said. “It’s about creating job opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs, and unlocking markets that align with Lagos’s ambitious sustainability goals.” 

Drawing on practical examples, Mrs. Oshodi highlighted OCCE’s Eco-Circulate initiative, a program designed to educate Lagos residents on waste valorization and its potential to drive local economic growth. By promoting recycling, reuse, and innovation, the initiative empowers communities to participate actively in building a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the economy. 

Mrs. Oshodi also pointed to the challenges and opportunities in addressing textile waste within Lagos’s burgeoning fashion industry. She explained that leftover materials from tailoring, often discarded or burned, represent untapped potential for sustainable innovation. By encouraging waste valorization strategies, these materials can be repurposed into new products, reducing environmental harm while supporting small businesses and promoting circular fashion. 

In the course of the discussions, Mrs. Oshodi lauded private-sector contributions, such as Coca-Cola’s recycling initiatives, which align with the state’s broader circular economy framework. These examples reflect OCCE’s collaborative approach, working alongside businesses to implement scalable solutions that complement government policies and advance the sustainable development agenda. 

The policy roundtable demonstrated how OCCE is not only a key driver of sustainability in Lagos but also a critical enabler for private enterprises and development organizations seeking to align their initiatives with environmental and economic priorities. The insights shared at the conference reinforced OCCE’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships, providing policy support, and equipping stakeholders with the tools to accelerate their sustainability agendas. 

As Lagos State continues to grow, OCCE is positioned as a pivotal partner for those committed to reimagining urban spaces through sustainable technology. By combining innovative policies, strategic collaborations, and practical initiatives, the office is ensuring that Lagos evolves into a city where environmental stewardship and economic prosperity go hand in hand. 

For more information about OCCE’s initiatives and opportunities for collaboration, visit occelagos.org.