In a groundbreaking initiative, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has joined forces with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) for extracting carbon from landfill waste, driving renewable energy solutions across Africa.
Funded by the African Inclusive Digital Transformation Seed Grant, the research project seeks to revolutionize waste management by applying AI-driven techniques to optimize carbon extraction from landfills. The goal is to enhance Nigeria’s circular economy and contribute to Africa’s transition towards sustainable energy.
To mark World Recycling Day, project stakeholders convened at the Olusosun Landfill, Ojota, to discuss the initiative’s impact and strategies for implementation. As part of the engagement, UNILAG’s Green Hub, in collaboration with project partners, organized a medical outreach programme, offering health check-ups to over 100 landfill workers in recognition of their role in environmental sustainability.
Dr. AbdulGaniyu Adelopo, a Principal Quality Control Officer at UNILAG’s Wastewater and Environmental Management Department, underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering a cleaner and more efficient waste management system.
Dr. Adelopo highlighted the varying levels of commitment to waste management across Nigeria, emphasizing that while Lagos has made significant progress, many states still lag behind. He called for a national commitment to improving waste management practices, stressing that AI-powered solutions could unlock the economic potential of landfills and attract investment into the sector.
By leveraging AI-driven data analytics, the project aims to:
Assess the economic value of landfills
Facilitate the establishment of a data-driven operational center for LAWMA
Develop a centralized system to attract investors
Enhance efficiency and sustainability in waste management practices
The research extends beyond Nigeria, incorporating insights from Nairobi, Kenya, where similar waste management challenges persist. By adopting a continental perspective, the project aims to create scalable solutions tailored to Africa’s unique waste disposal and energy needs.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Olumide Mumuney, Head of Landfill/TLS at LAWMA, commended the collaboration, noting that AI’s integration into waste management could be a game-changer in tackling climate change and reducing global warming.
“Climate change remains a pressing global issue, and the introduction of AI into waste management could mark a major breakthrough in combating carbon emissions,” Mumuney stated. He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to minimizing landfill gas emissions through strategic innovations.
With digital innovation at its core, this initiative represents a significant leap towards sustainable waste management and renewable energy development in Africa. As research and collaborations continue, stakeholders anticipate long-term environmental and economic benefits, paving the way for a cleaner, more resource-efficient continent.
