FABE International Foundation has engaged the Lagos State Government to boost biogas generation following its environmental sustainability and waste management initiative.
At its ‘Project Clean Air,’ programme, recently held at the Ketu Fruit Market in collaboration with Prudential Zenith Life Insurance, FABE International Foundation advocated converting market waste into biogas and compost and reducing illegal dump sites.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FABE International Foundation, Temitope Okunnu, led the cleanup and emphasised the project’s dual goal of waste reduction and energy production.
“We are here today to clean up the Ketu fruit market and to sensitise the market people,” Okunnu said. “Waste can generate biogas and compost. We want them to understand that segregating their waste can produce electricity and cooking gas, especially for sellers of bean cake, yam, and plantain along this axis.”
Okunnu highlighted the potential benefits of the biogas digester already installed in Ketu Market, which remains underutilised, noting “The digester could provide an alternative to conventional cooking gas if properly harnessed.”
The foundation said it also aims to turn mini-illegal dumpsites into eco-gardens, using compost produced from the market’s organic waste to nurture these spaces.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority aligned with the foundation as it listed plans to scale up its biogas project.
The Assistant Director of Waste to Energy, Abimbola Ajayi, representing LAWMA’s Managing Director, announced upcoming developments in the Ketu market’s biogas project.
“By December this year, we’re planning a grand opening ceremony for the biogas facility,” Ajayi said, adding that the biogas would soon provide power to the loading bay and supply 29 megawatts of electricity.
He noted the role of public enlightenment played by the Fabe Foundation and urged further effort, stating, “There is a need for us to go shop to shop. To let (marketers) know there is a need for them to segregate their waste from the source rather than putting it together.
“That is the way we can get clean and pure methane that can be easily used (for biogas). And if eventually we can scale up we are good to go.”
Ajayi also revealed plans to establish a central kitchen using biogas for cooking, which will serve vendors currently relying on traditional fuels.
The foundation collaborated with Prudential Zenith Life Insurance, which helped fund the project.
The Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Prudential Zenith Life Insurance, Cherise Ige, described the partnership as a critical step in supporting Nigeria’s sustainability goals.
“We want to see a reduction in carbon footprint. Simple things like planting trees can improve air quality. We want to see better air quality for Nigeria and a sustained future for our children,” Ige said
Meanwhile, the Ikosi Fruit Market Secretary, Shola Olokungboye, expressed optimism about the market’s commitment to environmental health, noting improvements in waste collection and sanitation.
“We are having two LAWMA bikers collecting waste daily. Every Thursday, we close the market from 7 to 10 a.m. for sanitation,” Olokungboye said.
While he acknowledged the market people faced financial challenges, Olokungboye affirmed the market’s dedication to maintaining a clean environment.
