The 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit: The Importance of AWAMN Delegation Participation

Introduction

The recently concluded 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit held from 11th to 13th June, 2024 marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to addressing environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The Summit articulated various proposals, plans and processes for Climate Change Resilience, Adaptation and Innovations to mitigate the effects of this man-made Global disaster in Lagos State and the entire country. The active participation of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) at this very important summit (this year 2024) underscores the critical role that effective and sustainable waste management plays in mitigating climate change.

This report therefore highlights the importance of the attendance of the AWAMN delegation, emphasizing the contributions and future impact of each member, including the esteemed National President Mr. Olugbenga Adebola who led the AWAMN delegation throughout the 3 -Day event.

Significance of AWAMN’s Participation

The presence of the AWAMN delegation at this year’s Lagos Climate Change Summit was a testament to the association’s commitment to fostering sustainable waste management practices in Nigeria. The summit provided an invaluable platform for AWAMN as an Association and her members to engage, interact and mingle with key stakeholders, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions for waste management challenges and sustainability issues.

The National President’s Contribution

The National President of AWAMN, Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, a respected figure in the integrated waste management & sustainability sector, played a pivotal role at the summit. He was specially invited to the Summit by His Excellency, The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, through the Honourable Commisioner for Environment & Water Resources Barr. Tokunbo Wahab.
He and other panelist were tasked with the responsibility of duscussing the topic – Local Financing Strategy for Waste Streams.

His depth knowledge & understanding of the topic of discurse guided the panel of discussion. In his participation at high-level discussions and panels, the President emphasized the importance of integrated waste management strategies in combating climate change.

Furthermore, his leadership and vision were instrumental in highlighting the association’s achievements and future plans. His presence throughout the 3-Day event, reinforced the association’s dedication to keeping Lagos cleaner and environmentally sustainable.

Impact of Each AWAMN Member

It is noteworthy to acknowledge the presence of some AWAMN members who were at the Summit to give the National President the needed support to take the name of the Association to higher levels, and to also engage, interract and to learn new trends, technologies and innovations that support sustainable waste management practice as it relates to climate change. Many of the EXCO members were also present at the Summit, led by the Vice President and the Secretary General.

AWAMN collective presence and contributions at this year’s Summit highlighted the following;

1. The potential of converting waste into renewable energy, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. The need to embrace data-driven waste management system and showcasing the importance of accurate data collection and analysis in optimizing waste management processes. The need to adopt and migrate to technology-driven solutions to enhance effecient waste collection, transportation, segregation, treatment and recycling in Lagos and Nigeria was emphasized.
3. The need to galvanised more private sector financing /investments in sustainable waste management projects was identified as crucial in addressing the financial challenges faced by the sector. The need for increased funding and investment in waste management infrastructure resonated with both local and international stakeholders.
4. The role of the Government in providing enabling Environment including where necessary guarantees and long term agreements to the private sector to be able to Marshal the required private investment was emphasized. The Enabling Environment should also ensure the enactment of relavant legislation, adequate policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and total enforcement. Including enforcement of compliance and payments.
5. The need for continuous public enlightenment, engagement and public education was emphasized.
6. The need to catch them young was equally highlighted. In other to ensure transitioning of today’s achievement to live beyond the current adults, youth, children and even the infacts were expected to be carried along by engaging them continously and by rejiging the educational curriculum to teach the young people the need to be more environmental conscious. Catching them Young.
7. The AWAMN Media Team: For the first time, the current EXCO created an AWAMN Media Team, which was one of the few media organisations accredited to cover the 3 – Day event, this media team was very visible at the summit and conducted some personal interviews for members of AWAMN and other participants. Stay tuned to this Channel for more Reportage and interviews. Please don’t Frequency!

Conclusion

The attendance of the AWAMN delegation at the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit was not only significant but also transformative. Each member’s contribution was instrumental in advancing the dialogue on sustainable waste management and climate resilience. The collective presence of the delegation demonstrated AWAMN’s unwavering commitment to keeping Lagos cleaner, aesthetics and promoting environmental sustainability.

Appreciation

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the National President and all members of the AWAMN delegation for their active participation and invaluable contributions at the summit. Their dedication and expertise are crucial in shaping a sustainable future for Lagos.

Together, we will continue to champion innovative waste management practices, ensuring a cleaner and greener Lagos for generations to come.

Future Outlook

The insights and partnerships forged at the Climate Change Summit will undoubtedly propel AWAMN’s initiatives forward. With continued collaboration and support, AWAMN is poised to leading the charge in transforming waste management practices in Lagos and Nigeria in general setting a benchmark for other cities in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan African.

AWAMN as the umbrella body of all private waste management companies and practitioners in Nigeria is repositioned to engage in Bilateral and multilateral collaborations, cooperations and partnerships that will foster effective, efficient and sustainable waste management practices (Including Circular Economy Methodologies) to mitigate and adapt to the effects of the global Climate Change in Nigeria.

Acknowledgment

We acknowledge the support of all stakeholders, partners, and the government of Lagos State in making the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit a success. The collaboration and shared vision will drive our collective efforts to mitigate climate change and enhance environmental sustainability in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole

Special appreciation to:

1. The Executive Governor of Lagos State – Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
2. The Former Executive Governor of Lagos State – HE Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
3. Deputy Governor of Lagos State – Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
4. Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State – Otunba Olufemi Pedro
5. The Honourable Commisioner for Environment and Water Resources – Barr. Tokunbo Wahab and other Lagos State Cabinet members.
6. Former Commisioner for Environment and Water Resources – Barr. Muiz Banire (SAN)
7. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment & WR – Dr. Omobolaji Gaji and all Lagos State body of Permanent Secretaries. And the Retired Body of Permanent Secretaries.
8. The Managing Director of LAWMA – Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin and all Management Team. And all other Heads of Agencies and Parastatals in Lagos State.
9. The C40 African Regional Head – Ms. Dorah Modise and her team. And All the C40 team in Nigeria.
10. All the delegates from other States of Nigeria, especially Honourable Commisioner for Environment – Dr. Ola Oresanya.
11. The African Development Bank Representative.
12. Our AWAMN National President – Mr. Olugbenga Adebola