The Lagos State Government has inaugurated a pioneering waste-to-energy biodigester plant at Ikosi Fruit Market, designed to convert organic market waste into biogas for cooking and power generation, as well as nutrient-rich fertilizer for farmers.
The facility, delivered through a partnership with C40 Cities and supported by UK International Development, was officially handed over in a ceremony attended by state officials, including the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
Speaking on the project, Commissioner Wahab said the biodigester addresses a long-standing environmental challenge in the Ikosi community, where tons of organic waste such as fruit peels, vegetable trimmings and unsold produce are generated daily. Previously, much of this waste ended up in drains or dumpsites, contributing to pollution, blocked waterways and methane emissions a potent greenhouse gas linked to climate change.
“Today, that same waste will be fed into an anaerobic digester where it will be converted into biogas for cooking and electricity, as well as fertilizer for farmers. This is the circular economy in action,” Wahab said, emphasising the plant’s dual environmental and economic benefits.
The biodigester operates by deconstructing organic waste in an oxygen-free environment, where naturally occurring bacteria break down the material to release biogas. This renewable gas can be used by market traders and nearby communities for cooking and power, while the leftover digestate is processed into fertilizer that boosts soil health and productivity.
The Ikosi Fruit Market project is part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to tackle waste management challenges and promote sustainable, climate-friendly solutions that reduce environmental hazards, create economic value from waste, and improve urban living conditions.
State authorities noted that as markets across Lagos generate significant volumes of organic waste every day, replicating the biodigester model in other high-waste areas could further support the state’s ambitions to implement circular economy practices and enhance local energy solutions.
