The Lagos State Government has launched a Household Used Cooking Oil Collection Point Kiosk Initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, improving public health and unlocking the state’s biofuel potential.
The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, is being implemented in collaboration with Oruro Waste Management and Shell Foundation. It was unveiled at a stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos.
Under the programme, used cooking oil collection kiosks will be deployed across all LASEPA zonal offices in the state, providing households, food vendors, restaurants and market operators with structured channels to safely dispose of used cooking oil while earning incentives.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the initiative aligns with global climate change standards and Lagos State’s commitment to environmental protection and public health.
He noted that Nigeria ranks among the top countries globally with the capacity to supply used cooking oil for biofuel production due to its population size and oil-based cooking culture.
Dr. Ajayi disclosed that the state plans to unlock a minimum of a $20 million biofuel market, with projections of up to $50 million in economic value, through the expansion of structured used cooking oil collection.
He explained that while the initiative was introduced two years ago, the current phase places deliberate emphasis on households, which generate about 50 to 60 per cent of used cooking oil.
“All LASEPA zonal offices, including the agency’s headquarters, will serve as collection points. Residents can exchange their used cooking oil for cash, fresh oil or other reward items. This initiative will support livelihoods, improve food quality, enhance public health and prevent environmental pollution,” he said.
Speaking further, Dr. Ajayi described the project as a landmark achievement that underscores Lagos State’s leadership in environmental sustainability, recycling and climate action.
He revealed that the pilot phase is expected to collect between 30 and 40 tonnes of used cooking oil, with future phases targeting residential estates, gated communities and tertiary institutions.
Delivering goodwill messages on behalf of the LASEPA zonal directorates, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye and Mr. Andrew warned that poor waste management poses significant environmental risks.
They commended the agency’s leadership for partnering with Oruro Waste Management and praised the Heat Management Unit of LASEPA, led by Mr. Ari Dengbe, for driving the project. They assured that all 20 zonal offices would actively support the initiative at the grassroots level.
Also speaking, the Director of Partnerships, Grant Management and Innovation, Mrs. Olabisi Shonibare, described the programme as a practical demonstration of the state’s zero-waste agenda.
She noted that most waste streams are now recyclable and expressed optimism that the initiative would be expanded across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Union Affairs (Tertiary Education) commended LASEPA for intentionally involving youths, describing the initiative as impactful and empowering.
He thanked Oruro Waste Management and Shell Foundation for selecting Lagos as the pilot state and urged sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Similarly, the Director of Air Quality Management, Mrs. Ayodele Oso, and the Director of Environmental Sustainability, Mrs. Dayo Adedayo Adebayo, described the programme as eco-friendly and inclusive, noting its potential to drive recycling and value creation at the community level.
In a technical presentation, the Managing Director and Project Lead of Oruro Waste Management, Mr. Ayo Banjo, highlighted the environmental and health benefits of proper used cooking oil management. He warned that repeated reuse of cooking oil increases carcinogenic risks, while improper disposal contributes to drainage blockage, flooding and disease outbreaks.
Mr. Banjo explained that the initiative promotes a circular economy by financially rewarding households for responsible waste management, while creating dignified livelihoods for waste pickers, youths and other actors across the value chain.
He added that Shell Foundation’s support has expanded access to micro-entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for low-income communities.
Participants were informed that contributors can earn rewards through cash payments, fresh oil exchanges, household items or discount tokens, depending on the volume supplied. Stakeholders noted that the initiative will position Lagos as a key player in the global biofuel supply chain while improving public health, reducing flooding and strengthening the informal economy.