1.0Project Overview

The project “Multi-Solving Action for Methane Reduction in Nigeria (MAMRN) is a comprehensive community-led approach designed to address methane emissions from the waste sector in Epe Local Government Area (LGA) and promote zero waste model in the entire Lagos state to bring a redefinition in the waste management and agricultural sector of the state.

Lagos state generates significant amount of organic waste with an average of 50% of municipal waste being organic. These organic waste including fruits and food scraps that are dumped in open dumpsites and landfills decomposes thereby producing methane emission. The Lagos state waste management sector faces challenges including inadequate waste collection and disposal contributing to methane emission.

The project adopts a five-pronged approach to methane reduction, these includes: diverting organic waste from dumpsites and landfills, building capacity of farmers on the use of non-petroleum based chemicals throughout their farming activities, constructing a material recovery facility, promoting zero waste actions and integration of informal waste pickers. These approaches/interventions collectively aim to mitigate climate change while simultaneously generating economic opportunities, improving air quality and entire environmental health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices within the project location.

2.0         Why Epe LGA?

Epe LGA was strategically selected as the project location due to several compelling factors. Epe faces growing waste management challenges that contribute substantially to methane emissions. The proximity of waste disposal locations to both residential areas and water bodies presents health and environmental risks and concerns to the local community and in recent times the Lagos state government has signed MOU with foreign companies to build a waste-to-energy facility in the community which is a false solution in addressing waste management issues. In order to get Lagos state government to reconsider its approach towards establishing a waste-to-energy plant, Epe LGA was chosen to practice a sustainable community-led approach that solves the same problem they intend solving without any form of emission and degradation. Also as a rapidly urbanizing area with significant agricultural activities, promoting the use of compost in farming and use of Black soldier flies as feed for fish, piggery and livestock farming was highly necessary to help improve their soil health/quality and plant & livestock growth while minimizing the release of methane gas. The area’s unique position balancing urban development with different kinds of extensive farming activities provides an ideal setting to demonstrate how integrated waste management approaches can address multiple sustainability challenges simultaneously.

3.0         Why Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZeWA)

Creation of Zero Waste Ambassadors is one of the key activities of the MAMRN Project. The Zero Waste Ambassadors is aimed to serve as an alliance building group for the project to further amplify the goal of the project especially as regards advocacy, sensitization of the general public and championing zero waste initiative at the local level.  Members of ZeWA were drawn from all relevant stakeholders engaged during our inception workshop; this include NYCN, Waste Pickers, Representative of Farmers, Epe Local Council, Market leaders, Religious Leaders, Trade union leaders, CDAs etc.

4.0         Inauguration and Training of Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZeWA)

Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) officially inaugurated and trained the Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZeWA) at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Epe, Lagos State on Saturday, 5^th July, 2025. This event marked a significant step in bringing local community leaders and stakeholders to together in one alliance to promote zero waste model, local environmental advocacy and sustainable practices.

CODAF’s Assistant Director of Campaigns and Administration, Mr. Vaneth Titigbe provided the participants with their key mandates as zero waste ambassadors and provided a deep insight into the ongoing MAMRN project with the main objective of addressing methane emissions through community led actions that ultimately tackle environment health issues and climate change.

CODAF’s Project Officer, Water and Waste Management – Mr. Raphael Oniovo led a comprehensive session on the concept of zero waste and its importance. He introduced the ambassadors to what zero waste is all about explaining the principles of zero waste, and the need to minimize waste generation and maximize waste conversion. On “Why Zero Waste as a way to go” he highlighted the role zero waste plays in combating pollution and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. He further addressed false solutions in waste management such as landfills and incinerator, noting the Lagos state government attempt to addressing waste management by building a Waste to Energy facility. Which he condemned, stating that though it may look convenient, but will cause more environmental harm and this approach is more expensive and energy inefficient as compared to zero waste initiatives. He stressed that CODAF does not support such approaches as they neither contribute positively to community development nor environmental health.

He concluded by providing insight into the MRF in Epe, where the event was been held. He explained how the MRF is a practical example of zero waste initiative that supports composting practices, recycling and reuse enterprises, job creation and ultimately reduces the volume of waste sent to dumpsites.

The Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZeWA) were officially inaugurated as a key component of CODAF’s environmental advocacy efforts by Mr. Faith Paulinus, the Coordibnator of Zero Waste Ambassadors in Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria. He charged them with the responsibility of promoting zero waste practices, mobilizing community action, advocating for zero waste policies and discouraging harmful environmental practices such as landfilling and incineration. The leaders of the newly inaugurated ZeWA were elected by a voting process which resulted in the emergence of Mr. Lawal Temitope as the coordinator and Mrs. Adepoju Simbiu as the Secretary. A system of communication amongst themselves was also established.

Following the inauguration ceremony, participants proceeded on a guided inspection of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) located at the event venue in Epe. The tour of the MRF was organized to give participants first-hand insight into how the facility operates. Led by Mr. Onyeka Titigbe and other technical staff, the inspection covered key sections of the facility, including the waste sorting area, storage compartments for recyclable materials, composting units and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) units.

5.0         Feedbacks and Conclusion

Mr. Onyeka Titigbe led an engaging Question and Answer Session with the participants by responding to a range of questions including enquiries on how participants can fully promote the concept of zero waste within their environment via sensitization, advocacy, monitoring and reporting. He also responded to questions on the scalability of composting programs and how individuals can fully adopt and promote waste segregation at the source and further encouraged the participants to take ownership of the facility and engage actively in its operations to maximize its social and environmental benefits. This officially brought the event to an end.