Ogun Urged To Embrace Refuse-Derived Fuel As Sustainable Solution to Waste, Climate Challenges

ABEOKUTA — Environmental stakeholders in Ogun State have been urged to embrace Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) technology as a practical solution to waste management challenges, climate change mitigation and sustainable energy generation.

The call was made by Professor Babatunde Saheed Bada of the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), while delivering the guest lecture at the 2026 Ogun State celebration of World Environment Day held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Speaking on the theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future,” Prof. Bada described RDF as a fuel produced from combustible components of municipal, industrial and commercial waste, noting that it offers a dual advantage of reducing landfill waste while providing an alternative energy source for industries.

According to him, RDF can replace fossil fuels such as coal in industrial applications, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing significantly to climate change mitigation.

He explained that RDF production involves several stages, including waste sorting, drying, mechanical processing and pelletization, resulting in fuel products suitable for use in cement kilns, lime plants and power generation facilities.

“RDF pellets have superior emission characteristics compared to coal, with fewer pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and carbon emissions. They also improve combustion efficiency and support the circular economy by converting waste into energy,” he said.

Prof. Bada identified major challenges facing RDF production in Nigeria, including high moisture content in municipal waste, inadequate waste segregation, energy-intensive processing systems, weak waste management infrastructure and limited financing.

He noted that Nigeria generates about 32 million tonnes of waste annually, with a significant proportion ending up in dumpsites where decomposing organic matter releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide.

The environmental expert urged policymakers to develop a national RDF strategy, establish dedicated funding mechanisms, strengthen regulations, improve waste collection systems and invest in public awareness and capacity building.

He stressed that RDF aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to health, sanitation, clean energy and climate action, adding that collaborative efforts among government, researchers, entrepreneurs and communities would be critical to unlocking its potential.

In her address, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, described RDF as a transformational innovation capable of supporting the state’s industrialisation agenda while advancing environmental sustainability.

She said the technology would reduce pressure on landfills, lower methane emissions, create green jobs and promote cleaner energy alternatives.

“As Ogun State continues to industrialise, embracing innovations such as RDF will help us achieve the dual objectives of effective waste management and cleaner energy generation while supporting sustainable economic growth,” she said.

The First Lady also highlighted the importance of clean cooking technologies in addressing climate and public health challenges, noting that millions of African households still rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking.

She formally presented clean cook stoves and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, provided through a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Government, to selected women beneficiaries across the state.

Mrs. Abiodun said the initiative would help reduce indoor air pollution, curb deforestation, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health and wellbeing of women and children.

She urged beneficiaries to serve as ambassadors of clean energy in their communities by promoting awareness of the benefits of cleaner cooking technologies.

Earlier, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the state government remained committed to environmental sustainability as a key component of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s development agenda.

He said the Ministry of Environment had strengthened environmental compliance monitoring, pollution surveillance, waste management systems and climate resilience programmes across the state.

Oresanya noted that the state had intensified climate action through tree planting campaigns, ecosystem protection initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing environmental risks and building climate-resilient communities.

He described RDF as a major component of Ogun State’s climate strategy, noting that the waste-to-energy solution would help reduce landfill pressure, cut greenhouse gas emissions and lessen dependence on fossil fuels.

The commissioner also highlighted the state’s Environmental Management and Climate Change Clubs in schools, designed to equip young people with environmental stewardship and climate action skills.

While acknowledging challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, industrial pollution, deforestation and ecosystem degradation, Oresanya called for stronger collaboration among government, private sector organisations, communities and individuals.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening climate governance, improving environmental monitoring systems, promoting sustainable industrial practices and expanding public-private partnerships.

The World Environment Day celebration brought together government officials, environmental experts, traditional rulers, development partners, women and youth groups, as stakeholders renewed their commitment to building a greener, cleaner and more climate-resilient Ogun State.