Oyo moves to generate 120MW of power through waste-to-wealth

…bolsters initiatives with 44-acre recycling facility

Oyo State Government is bolstering its waste-to-wealth initiatives by developing a 44-acre facility at Elere Village, along the Ido–Eruwa Road, aimed at generating up to 120 megawatts of power and creating significant economic value through waste reduction.

Before this time out, the State is targeting 500 megawatts of energy generation before 2027.

The facility at Elere Village however is designed to convert municipal waste into valuable by-products such as electricity, biofuel, fertilizer, construction materials, and other reusable resources.

Ademola Aderinto, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, who led a management team on the site visit to assess its readiness and ensure compliance with environmental standards disclosed that the facility would incorporate sanitary landfill systems capable of achieving up to 97% material recovery, leaving minimal residual waste for controlled disposal.

Aderinto stated that the facility is expected to serve Ibadan and surrounding areas, including the Ibarapa axis, while also reducing the cost of waste evacuation for residents.

He added that the project would produce electricity, bio cooking gas, fertilizer, and other value-added products, reinforcing the State’s commitment to sustainable environmental management.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that Oyo State is on track to pioneer modern waste-to-wealth technology in Nigeria, setting a benchmark for other States.

Aderinto, who further emphasised that the site selection was carefully done to protect nearby communities and preserve air and water quality stated that the initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of transforming waste management into an economic driver, creating jobs, and reducing environmental pollution.

During the inspection, technical experts provided detailed briefings on the project’s operational framework, environmental safeguards, and projected economic benefits.

According to the project team, the plant will operate an integrated system featuring an automated conveyor-based mechanism to sort recyclable materials like metals and plastics before combustion.

Technical experts from Sector Lead Limited disclosed that the combustion system would capture about 64% of fly ash generated, with cement manufacturers already positioned to utilise the by-product.

They added that emissions from the plant would largely consist of water vapor, in line with global environmental standards.

The team further revealed that bottom ash would be repurposed for road construction, while approximately 12,000 tons of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) produced monthly has already secured buyers for power generation.

The move by the State Government is aimed at turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities, creating green jobs, and ensure a cleaner, sustainable environment.

Efforts made by the State include inauguration of the first phase of an 11MW hybrid power solution (solar and gas) designed to power government facilities through Independent Power Project (IPP).

Oyo-Shell Gas Project, a partnership aimed at building a Pressure Reduction and Metering Station (PRMS) and laying pipelines to boost industrial gas supply, plans for 40 mini-grids to improve energy access in rural communities and signing of the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill into law in 2024 to manage its own electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has begun refuse evacuation drive along major roads within Ibadan, including the Iwo road axis.
The move is to address the growing concerns over indiscriminate waste disposal by some residents which had heightened actions to restore environmental sanity.

Ademola Aderinto, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, who led his management team on an inspection of ongoing refuse evacuation, described the situation as an unfortunate consequence of non-compliance with environmental sanitation laws by some citizens who dump refuse on road medians, drainages, and water channels.

The inspection aimed to assess the progress of the clean-up exercise, the Commissioner noted that such practices have created environmental hazards, obstructed water flow, and contributed to flooding and unhealthy surroundings, particularly around busy commercial areas.

He emphasised that the intervention by the government is a rescue mission to address the immediate environmental mess, stressing that the Administration of Seyi Makinde remains committed to safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable development.

According to him, the current exercise is being carried out across multiple locations, including Araromi Market at Iwo Road and sections of the Academy Expressway drainage.

The Commissioner, however, lamented that the funds being utilized for the evacuation exercise could have been channeled into other developmental projects that would directly benefit residents.

Stressing that indiscriminate dumping not only defaces the state but also diverts scarce resources meant for infrastructure and social development, he appealed to residents to comply with environmental laws by working closely with accredited waste collectors instead of disposing waste indiscriminately.

He warned that dumping refuse on road medians and in drainages contributes to flooding, endangers public health, and tarnishes the image of the State, discouraging investment and growth.

While acknowledging that the government is compelled to undertake the costly evacuation exercise due to public complaints, he stressed that such efforts are not sustainable in the long run.

He urged residents to report challenges with waste collectors through appropriate government channels, including the state’s complaint platforms, rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Aderinto further warned that strict enforcement would follow the clean-up exercise, noting that penalties are already stipulated for offenders under the environmental laws.