‘Nigeria’s cement industry pioneering waste decarbonisation, co-processing’

At the Green Earth Seminar Series held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to mark the 2025 World Earth Day, environmental experts, academics, and industry leaders spotlighted Nigeria’s cement sector as a trailblazer in sustainable waste management through co-processing technology.

The event, themed “Sustainable Climate Action in Nigeria Through Waste Decarbonisation and Co-Processing Technology,” gathered stakeholders to discuss viable paths to achieving Nigeria’s climate goals.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Lucian Chukwu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services) at the University of Lagos, who was representing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, emphasized that co-processing offers a “critical intersection between environmental responsibility and industrial innovation.”

“If scaled correctly,” Prof. Chukwu said, “co-processing will not only help reduce industrial emissions but also unlock new value chains in Nigeria’s circular economy.”

During a panel session which followed after the keynote session by Professor Babajide Ibitayo Alo, FAS, Chukwu cited major cement players—Dangote Cement, Lafarge Africa, and BUA Cement as early adopters of co-processing in Nigeria. He added that Lafarge, through its Geocycle initiative, had incorporated waste as an alternative fuel source.

The panel discussion, which included Dr. Essien Nsuabia of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Daniel Adedokun, Head of Geocycle, and Prof. Kelechi Njoku, highlighted how some firms like Dangote are using palm kernel shells, while others, such as Guinness Nigeria Ltd, deploy anaerobic digestion to generate energy from effluents.

Adedokun said: “We see waste as a resource. Through co-processing, we can reduce landfill dependency, cut down fossil fuel use, and help clean up the environment. But we need stronger regulations and greater awareness.”

He pointed out existing challenges, including poor waste segregation, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of understanding around the benefits of industrial-scale waste management.

The seminar also welcomed contributions from Mrs. Amaka Onyemelukwe of Coca-Cola, and Prof. Bola Oboh, DVC (Academics & Research), who noted the role of universities in leading sustainable change through research, innovation, and student involvement.