Lagos State Government has urged its civil servants to embrace circular economy principles as it officially launched a Waste-to-Value Collection Hub over the weekend. The initiativemis aimed at transforming waste into economic value. It is part of the “Charity Begins at Home 2.0” program by the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy.
The launch event was held at the Quadrant Car Park in Alausa, Ikeja. Several government officials and stakeholders were present to champion sustainable waste management. Civil servants were encouraged to play active roles in reshaping the State’s economic and environmental future by adopting waste-to-value models.
Flagging off the initiative with an awareness roadshow within the secretariat complex, Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, described the program as a strategic empowerment tool for public servants.
“This is not just a policy directive; it is a moral, economic, and strategic imperative. By adopting waste-to-value models, we create innovative pathways for financial stability, resource optimization, and environmental stewardship,” Agoro stated.
He highlighted that the initiative integrates sustainable financial inclusion structures, like cooperative models, to enhance economic resilience for civil servants. Additionally, he emphasized the long-term environmental benefits, including reducing landfill dependence and preserving resources for future generations.
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Encouraging civil servants to become change agents, Agoro envisioned a Lagos where public sector employees actively engage in waste valorization and green policies.
“As we embark on this journey, I challenge each of us to take ownership of this initiative by practicing responsible waste segregation, participating in cooperative savings schemes, and advocating for sustainability within our offices. Our collective efforts will set a precedent for other states to follow,” he added.
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, reinforced the importance of collaboration in the circular economy framework.
“This is more than a government initiative; it is a movement requiring collective effort from civil servants, private sector stakeholders, and environmental advocates. By shifting from the traditional linear economy of ‘take-make-dispose’ to a circular system, we maximize resource efficiency and sustainability,” George explained.
In her opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi, underscored the initiative’s potential impact, given Lagos State’s large civil service workforce.
“With over 5,000 civil servants, we have a unique opportunity to drive widespread behavioral change. If our workforce adopts sustainable practices, they can influence their families and communities, amplifying the impact across Lagos State,” Oshodi noted.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecila Dada, highlighted waste valorization’s role in economic empowerment for public service workers, reinforcing its relevance in poverty alleviation and financial independence.
The event also saw the presence of notable Nollywood actors, including Foluke Daramola-Salako, Ayo Adesanya, Sola Kosoko, Bidemi Kosoko, and Razak Owokoniran. Their involvement added visibility to the initiative, encouraging public participation in sustainable waste management.
With Lagos State championing the transition to a circular economy, the Waste-to-Value Collection Hub stands as a blueprint for other states looking to integrate sustainability into their governance and economic models. The government continues to urge public servants and residents to embrace eco-friendly practices for a cleaner, greener, and economically vibrant Lagos.
