Lagos Set to Reduce 1.5 Million Tons of CO2 with Zoomlion’s €40 Million Waste Project

Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), has reached a significant milestone by securing a groundbreaking €40 million export agreement with German firms FIMA Industries GmbH and FAUN Umwelttechnik GmbH. This deal, supported by the German government’s export credit agency, Euler Hermes, and Oddo BHF Bank, marks a major step forward in transforming Lagos’ waste management infrastructure.

The partnership brings together Zoomlion’s expertise in waste collection and management with FIMA’s and FAUN’s cutting-edge technology. This combination is set to drive sustainable development across Nigeria, making Lagos a cleaner and greener city. By focusing on the export of waste management services and equipment, the collaboration promises to bolster Lagos’ capacity to address its growing environmental challenges.

A Partnership for Sustainability

The agreement, signed on October 7, 2024, in Lagos, saw senior officials from both Zoomlion and the German firms come together to formalise the deal. Haidar Said, Executive Director of Environment and Sanitation at Zoomlion, along with Habiba Abubakar, the Country Director for Zoomlion Nigeria, represented Jospong Group, while Markus Maierhofer, CEO of FIMA Industries, signed on behalf of his company.

Mr. Haidar Said highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Following our success in Ghana, we are now expanding into Nigeria with the support of the German government and Lagos State to establish three waste treatment plants. The €40 million agreement will fund the development of these facilities, which are designed to significantly reduce the city’s environmental impact.”

This investment is expected to reduce about 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, marking a major contribution to environmental preservation. Over the next two years, the Jospong Group plans to invest $200 million in Lagos for waste management initiatives, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development.

A Game-Changing Approach to Waste Management

Markus Maierhofer, CEO of FIMA Industries, emphasised the transformative nature of the project. “This partnership represents a complete game-changer for Lagos. By introducing biological waste treatment plants, we aim to drastically reduce waste in the city, recycling materials and creating compost that will keep the environment cleaner and safer.”

The waste management process will involve waste being collected and transported to transfer stations, after which it will be taken to a solid waste recycling plant. Finally, any residual waste will be disposed of at an engineered landfill management facility. Lucas Doerr, Head of Business Development Export at FAUN Umwelttechnik GmbH, explained that this system is designed to ensure proper waste disposal and recycling, reducing Lagos’ reliance on traditional waste dumps.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The environmental benefits of this project cannot be overstated. By reducing 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, Lagos is taking a significant step towards combating climate change and improving public health. This initiative is expected to pave the way for future projects across Nigeria, contributing to long-term sustainability.

Additionally, the partnership will create local jobs, promote skill development, and improve infrastructure, supporting the city’s economy. With Zoomlion at the forefront of these developments, Lagos residents can expect a cleaner environment, reduced pollution, and a more efficient waste management system.

Looking ahead, Zoomlion Nigeria and its partners have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to drive further innovations in waste management. With the support of both the German and Lagos State governments, the project is set to become a model for other African cities facing similar environmental challenges.

“We are ready to invest around €10 million in equipment for the waste treatment plant to make this vision a reality,” said Maierhofer. “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the people of Lagos.”

With this landmark deal, Lagos is on track to become a leader in sustainable waste management, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in Africa.