The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday revealed that the concept of circular economy had inspired the state to adopt innovative approaches and enable it to reclaim values where it is currently wasted.
The governor who spoke through the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, at the year 2026 Nigeria Circular Economy Week held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, added that the aim was to continually make sure the systems outlast the present administration.
He stressed that circular economy had also helped the state to create systems that kept materials in circulation and to build markets that turned environmental responsibility into economic opportunities.
He described the theme as “Turning Challenges into Markets” as very apt because it captured how the state viewed sustainability, not as a distant goal, but as a practical approach to competitiveness, resilience, and inclusive growth.
“Our journey taught us a crucial lesson that circularity starts with good governance. Before we can reuse materials, we need functioning systems in place. Before new markets can develop, we must restore order. Before investments can flow, we need safe and predictable environments” he said.
He said the state had taken bold steps to bring order back to the urban areas by clearing illegal structures under bridges, removing blockages along drainage paths and reclaiming public land that had become unsafe and environmentally risky.
He said the actions were essential for public safety, flood prevention, and environmental protection and they also signified something deeper which was the reclamation of land and infrastructure as valuable assets.
He explained that when the government cleared drainage channels, it extended the life of the roads and public works, adding that when encroachments were removed, it restored natural flows of water which lowered the risk of flood.
He stated further that reclaiming under-bridge spaces openned up opportunities for organized public usage which would include transport hubs, markets, green spaces, and community facilities.
He stated that environmental enforcement aligned with the principles of a circular economy and it brought value back to spaces and systems that had lost their productive potential.
“Our journey taught us a crucial lesson that circularity starts with good governance. Before we can reuse materials, we need functioning systems in place. Before new markets can develop, we must restore order. Before investments can flow, we need safe and predictable environments,” he said.
He mentioned that the next step was to transform the enforcement successes into economic opportunities saying that demolition and clearance efforts yield recoverable materials like metals, timber, plastics as well as reclaimed areas can become hubs for repairs, recycling, and green businesses.
READ ALSO:
Ansar-ud-Deen society hails Lateef Okunnu at 93
Rowdy session as legislators disagree over Electoral Act amendment Bill
UK announces unveiling of e-visa for travellers from Feb 25
We’ll sustain economic reforms for the benefit of Nigerians –Tinubu
EFCC grills el-Rufai on corruption allegations
