Lagos State Partners with Siemens for Waste-to-Energy Technology Support
The Lagos State Government has revealed plans to collaborate with Siemens Group to provide technology support for its expanding waste-to-energy projects. The initiative seeks to convert municipal solid waste into electricity, tackling both waste management and power supply challenges in Africa’s most populous city.
The announcement was made in a statement posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Lagos State Government on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Key Details of the Lagos–Siemens Waste-to-Energy Partnership
The partnership will be jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
According to Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, “Lagos generates between 13,000 and 14,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, and much of this remains untapped. There is vast potential to transform this into usable energy through waste-to-energy technologies.”
He cited ongoing efforts like the Epe Power Plant and material recovery facilities in Ikorodu and Badagry, emphasising the goal of reducing landfill pressure and boosting renewable energy capacity in Lagos.
Siemens to Bring Global Energy Expertise
Durgen Schumann, Commercial Director of Siemens Group, pledged the company’s global expertise in power generation and technology solutions to support Lagos in turning waste into energy.
He reaffirmed Siemens’s commitment to collaborating with Lagos State to improve the electricity supply while addressing urban waste challenges.
Meanwhile, Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, noted that Lagos’ rapid urbanisation demands private sector investments in sustainable power initiatives. “The government is committed to creating an enabling environment for private partners like Siemens to thrive in the waste-to-energy sector,” Ogunleye stated.
Recent Waste-to-Energy Developments in Lagos
This partnership with Siemens follows several strategic initiatives launched by Lagos State to convert waste into energy:
- In July 2025, the state unveiled a $400 million waste-to-energy plant in Epe, expected to be delivered through a Design-Build-Finance-Operate (DBFO) model. The project is projected to offer a 12% internal rate of return over 20 years, supported by electricity tariffs and tipping fees.
- Lagos also secured a €120 million commitment from the Netherlands government for a waste-to-energy initiative with the Harvest Waste Consortium, a Dutch firm.
- In February 2025, the state signed an MoU with Lafarge Africa Plc to supply non-recyclable combustible waste from companies and dumpsites across Lagos. This waste will be used as an alternative fuel at Lafarge’s Ewekoro plant.
Why This Matters
Lagos’ growing population and waste output present both a challenge and an opportunity. By integrating global expertise from firms like Siemens and leveraging public-private partnerships, the state is taking bold steps to:
- Reduce landfill dependency
- Improve electricity access
- Promote circular economy practices
- Attract long-term foreign investments
This partnership marks another milestone in Lagos’ mission to become a smart, clean, and energy-efficient megacity.
