At the Lagos Investors Summit this week, the state government unveiled one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects yet: a $400 million Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant to be located in Epe.
The project, announced by Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, signals a sharp shift toward solving Lagos’s two longstanding urban crises: overwhelming waste and electricity shortfalls.
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Lagos, a megacity of over 20 million people, generates an estimated 13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily. The state’s existing landfills, particularly Olusosun and Soluos, are already buckling under pressure, with Wahab revealing that “80% of existing landfill capacity is nearing exhaustion.”
EKO HOT BLOG gathered that the planned WtE facility could offer a much-needed outlet for the city’s enormous solid waste. Using advanced conversion technologies, the plant will process tons of refuse that would otherwise end up clogging drainages or spilling into neighbourhoods.
More critically, the plant’s construction in Epe reflects a decentralised waste strategy, potentially easing the burden on overstretched waste infrastructure in urban cores.
From Refuse to Renewable Power
But this project isn’t just about waste, it’s about electricity. When completed, the Epe WtE plant is expected to generate clean energy for up to 2 million homes and businesses in Lagos. That represents a major boost in a state where many households and enterprises still rely on generators to fill electricity gaps.
According to Wahab, the energy output will be made possible through “advanced conversion technology” that transforms waste into electricity, essentially turning a liability into a long-term asset.
The project is projected to deliver a 12% internal rate of return over 20 years, thanks to electricity sales and the introduction of tipping fees for waste processing, a sustainability model that appeals to both public planners and investors.
Climate and Flooding Resilience
The environmental benefits of the plant also extend beyond energy generation. Lagos has long battled with flooding during its prolonged rainy seasons, often worsened by clogged drainages filled with solid waste. The WtE project aims to directly tackle this by reducing the volume of unmanaged waste that ends up in gutters and canals.
In climate terms, Lagos is also betting on a win. By diverting waste from landfills, which emit large volumes of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, the plant will help reduce emissions while aligning with the state’s broader climate adaptation agenda.
Wahab emphasised that “this initiative directly supports our climate resilience goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while creating a new stream of renewable energy.”
The WtE facility is just one part of a broader strategy. Alongside the plant, the state government is preparing to roll out an Early Warning System for extreme weather events, another indicator of its focus on long-term climate adaptation.
“We invite both public and private sector partners to join us in making this vision a reality,” Wahab said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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Nevertheless, questions remain about the project’s financing structure, implementation timeline, and long-term operational model.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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