Sept. 8, 2021

The Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Samuel Egube, has expressed the willingness of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to support every initiative that will stimulate efficient and effective delivery of public goods and services for the benefit of Lagos residents.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Circular Lagos Working Group conceived to enhance the development of the State’s economy in Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, Egube stated that the present administration has established an interactive, web-based Citizens Engagement Dashboard, called the Wheel of Progress (WoP).

He explained that the WoP is designed to measure the level of implementation and impact of every plan, programme and project of the government, adding that the proposed Circular Economy Methodology will be adopted in the management of limited resources that are available for the benefit of Lagosians.

“The mandate of the Circular Lagos working group revolves around setting up project targets, coordinating, facilitating the development of Circular Lagos Projects, supporting and monitoring projects implementation”, he said.

The Commissioner pointed out that members of the Circular Lagos Technical will act as Circular Economy Champions, Promote Circular Lagos Projects within their respective MDAs and across the broader public space, and act as a nexus point for cultivating private-public sector participation in Circular Lagos, among others.

Egube stated further that the specific goals of the Circular Economy Technical Working Group will be to establish baseline and growth targets for “Regenerative” Businesses; establish baseline and growth targets for “Regenerative” Communities; establish a baseline and sector-based targets for recycled and re-usable material, as well as convene and coordinate stakeholder engagements and public-private sector participation on selected themes.

Speaking further, the Commissioner said: “They are also to finalise development goals for Circular Lagos; Develop criteria for Circular Lagos projects; Ensure that all projects initiated meet required criteria; Establish project and workgroups based on targets and performance metrics; Establish an information management system to track project outcomes; Share information on related projects within Lagos State for learning and information management purposes and constructively coordinate with other government committees.”

Other functions of the Committee highlighted by the Commissioner include encouraging the use of circular economy initiatives to stimulate enterprise and employment generation in areas such as the elimination of single-use plastics; alternative packaging requirements; 30% reduction in water and air pollution; zero-waste agenda; GDP Growth rate of 6% and increase in the percentage of women-owned businesses.

According to him, the committee’s mandate also covers ensuring MSME income growth of 5% over five years; energy production and consumption targets; improving local production targets (sector-based) and stimulating job creation.

While informing that members of the technical committee cut across the Public and Private sectors, Egube expressed belief that the adoption of the principles of Circular Economy would lead Lagos State to a Regenerative Material Economy that aligns with the metabolic process found in Resilient Ecosystems.