By The Oyo State Government has taken a significant step towards transforming its waste management system into an economic asset, following the inspection of a proposed 44-acre Waste-to-Wealth facility at Elere Village along the Ido–Eruwa Road in Ibadan.
The inspection, led by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, signals a renewed push by the state to tackle growing waste challenges while exploring opportunities in energy generation and resource recovery.
The planned facility, according to officials, is designed to convert municipal waste into multiple usable products, including electricity, biofuel, fertiliser, and construction materials. The initiative comes amid increasing concerns over waste disposal practices in urban centres like Ibadan, where population growth has intensified pressure on existing waste management systems.
During the visit, project handlers outlined a system that goes beyond traditional waste dumping. The plant is expected to operate an integrated processing model, beginning with the sorting of recyclable materials such as plastics and metals through an automated conveyor system before the remaining waste is subjected to controlled combustion.
Government officials say this approach is aimed at minimising environmental impact while maximising economic value. Speaking at the site, Hon. Aderinto stressed that the choice of location was deliberate, noting that environmental safety considerations played a key role in the decision.
He explained that the facility would include engineered landfill systems capable of recovering up to 97 per cent of waste materials, significantly reducing what is left for final disposal. According to him, this marks a shift from conventional waste management practices to a more sustainable and circular model.
Beyond environmental concerns, the state government is positioning the project as an economic intervention. Authorities say the initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate industrial linkages, and reduce the financial burden associated with waste evacuation across the state.
Technical partners involved in the project also provided insight into its operational efficiency. Experts from Sector Lead Limited disclosed that the combustion process would capture a substantial portion of fly ash generated during operations, with plans already in place for its utilisation by cement manufacturers.
They further noted that emissions from the facility would largely consist of water vapour, in line with international environmental standards, an assurance aimed at addressing public concerns about pollution and air quality.
In addition, by-products such as bottom ash are expected to be repurposed for infrastructure development, particularly in road construction. The plant is also projected to produce approximately 12,000 tonnes of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) monthly, with off-takers already identified for power generation purposes.
The Commissioner added that the facility would not only serve Ibadan but also extend its reach to surrounding areas, including communities in the Ibarapa axis. He noted that this could significantly lower the cost of waste collection and disposal for residents, while improving overall sanitation.
The Oyo State Government maintains that the project represents a strategic move towards modernising waste management in the state. Officials insist that if successfully implemented, the initiative could position Oyo as a leader in waste-to-wealth innovation in Nigeria
