On July 14, 2025, the Community Development and Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) held a productive advocacy meeting with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss CODAF's ongoing projects and initiatives in Lagos State, with a focus on exploring potential areas of collaboration with the Ministry.

Onyeka, our Assistant Director of Campaigns, addressed Bankole Michael 

Director, Climate Change and Environmental Planning, outlining CODAF's presence and mission. He stated that we have our Head Office in Ughelli, as well as offices in Abakaliki and Abuja. Our mission is to initiate programs that bring development to communities, complementing government efforts to benefit society. We recognize that the government is making efforts, but we also understand that they cannot do everything alone, which is why CODAF aims to support and align with their mission.

Currently, in Lagos, we are implementing the Multi-Solving Action for Methane Reduction in Nigeria (MAMRN) project. This project creates an avenue for zero waste, with the long-term impact of reducing methane gas contributions to climate change and global warming. We have established a project site in Epe, with the support of the Epe Local Government Council, where we have constructed a Material Recovery Facility.

Additionally, we have inaugurated several initiatives, including the Zero Waste Ambassadors, a group of community members trained to promote zero-waste practices at the household level. We have also launched the Zero Waste Farmers Network, which benefits from our MRF facility's compost production. This compost can be used by farmers to cultivate healthier crops. Furthermore, we recently inaugurated the Zero Waste Parliament, a platform aimed at expanding the discussion on waste management from the Epe community to the state level. The Zero Waste Parliament will meet regularly to discuss ways to contribute to addressing waste issues in Lagos.

After Onyeka's presentation, Dir. Bankole Michael expressed his appreciation, noting that CODAF and the Ministry share similar thoughts and values. He emphasized that while the government should set the pace in environmental policy, it's impossible for them to tackle every issue alone, given the widespread nature of environmental challenges such as sanitation and rainwater pollution. Dir. Bankole Michael illustrated this point by sharing an example of people throwing plastics out of moving vehicles, highlighting the need for a mindset shift.

He further stated that CODAF's mission and goals align with those of the Lagos State Government, particularly in regards to recycling and methane reduction. The Ministry takes recycling seriously and is exploring ways to convert organic waste into reusable energy. For instance, a market in Lagos is now converting over 500 kilograms of solid food waste into energy that can power the entire market.

Dir. Bankole Michael, thanked CODAF for creating jobs in the Epe community through the Material Recovery Facility and expressed his willingness to collaborate. He announced that CODAF would be added to the Lagos State NGOs list, allowing for continued interaction and potential joint initiatives. He encouraged CODAF to reach out whenever there are rising issues or concerns that can benefit the people of Lagos.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of CODAF's publications to Dir. Bankole Michael, followed by a group photograph.