The Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) has flagged off its Multi-Solving Actions for Methane Reduction initiative in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Campaigns at CODAF, Mr Onyeka Titigbe, made available to Newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.
Titigbe said it selected the agrarian community as the model site for the pioneering project aimed at reducing methane emissions through sustainable waste management practices.
He said the project features the Methane Reduction Facility (MRF), a purpose-built, zero-waste model centre, designed to transform household and community waste into economic and agricultural value.
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He added that the waste transformation addresses pressing environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions.
Titigbe described the project as a deliberate response to Nigeria’s growing methane emissions from open dumpsites and poor waste disposal practices.
“What we’re currently practicing across Nigeria is the waste-to-dumpsite model, which is unsustainable.
“Every evening at these sites, you see smoke — that’s methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas, rising into our atmosphere.
“What we are introducing is a system that treats waste as a resource,” said Titigbe.
He said the Epe MRF, designed to process up to 200 tonnes of waste weekly, is structured into three core sections.
The three core sections are the sorting section, organic waste conversion and love net.
Titigbe said the sorting section handles separation of textile, metal, plastic, paper, electronic, and hazardous waste.
“Organic waste conversion uses Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology to transform organic waste into eco-friendly compost and animal feed.
“Love net is a breeding ground for BSF reproduction, aiding sustainable manure production for farming,” he said.
He said that as part of its community-first approach, CODAF would work closely with the waste pickers association, farmers in Epe and zero waste ambassadors to integrate their expertise into the system.
He said farmers in Epe would receive training on turning organic waste into fertilizer and feed, replacing unsustainable chemical inputs.
“We already have over 20 ambassadors signed up, and they will be trained to work closely with households, spread awareness, and engage in monthly review meetings,” Titigbe said.
He added that the Zero Waste Farmers Network would focus on promoting organic agriculture using compost and insect-based manure derived from waste.
He said the President of the Zero Waste Ambassadors, Akwa Ibom, Mr Faith Paulinus, officially inaugurated the newly elected Epe chapter of the Ambassadors.
Paulinus charged them to advance community-driven waste solutions and discourage harmful practices like landfilling and incineration.
Titigbe also quoted Mrs Aminat Shabi, the President of the Farmers’ Association in Epe LGA, as saying that “the project is timely and impactful.
“This project is a blessing to our community. It brings cleaner surroundings, creates jobs, and adds value to waste. As farmers, we can now access affordable organic inputs for our livestock and crops.”
“This isn’t a profit-making venture for us. The aim is to empower the community and promote a circular economy where waste becomes wealth,” said Titigbe.
He said future plans include expanding to state level through a Zero Waste Parliament, which would engage stakeholders like LAWMA, LASEMA, and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment in policy advocacy for sustainable waste management.