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The Lagos market powered by fruit waste

07:53

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Lukas Lottersberger | Olisa Chukwumah
May 11, 2026

In a Lagos market, spoiled pineapples and watermelons are turned into biogas. The pilot plant provides light, cooking gas and power while cutting thousands of tons of CO2.

At a busy market in Lagos, Nigeria, a simple idea is turning fruit waste into a valuable source of energy. Traders at Ikosi Market generate tons of spoiled produce every day, much of which used to end up rotting in a nearby landfill. Now, a pilot biogas plant is transforming that waste into electricity and cooking gas, helping power stalls, lighting the market at night and supporting small businesses. While the system still faces challenges, it is already cutting costs for vendors, creating jobs and reducing pollution. The project offers a glimpse of how cities can turn everyday waste into practical, sustainable energy solutions.

Lukas Lottersberger Multimedia journalist, reporter and producer, covering global news and environmental innovations.
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