Irish owned water treatment specialist EPS Group and their local partner, Biotech Nigeria, have today announced a strategic partnership with both the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for cooperation on wastewater services.

The agreement also included the extension of an existing arrangement between EPS/Biotech and the Wastewater Services Department for Lagos State. The announcement was made during the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Nigeria and Ghana, led by the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Simon Coveney, T.D.

EPS and Biotech have been working together in the region since 2011 and have developed a unique position whereby the combined strengths of both organisations are being deployed to support the state of Lagos in the provision of wastewater services. EPS/Biotech continue to provide a range of services including training and development, capacity development and feasibility & consultancy services to the Lagos State Wastewater services Department as well as guidance and best practice for the treatment of domestic, commercial and municipal wastewater. In the past 5 years the partnership has completed 50+ projects for a range of sectors including the provision of wastewater treatment facilities for homes, banks, schools, hospitals and office developments.

Present at the announcement of the strategic partnership, Minister Coveney said: “EPS are an exciting and dynamic company that has already had significant success in the Nigerian market. They are building and developing partnerships in Nigeria long term and have some very impressive ongoing partnerships here in the areas of waste water treatment and other environment interests. Today marked another important step forward in the Nigerian market for EPS and I hope to see them continue to grow here in the coming years.”

Patrick Buckley, Deputy Managing Director of EPS Group commented: “EPS/Biotech is looking forward to continuing our efforts to support Lagos Stage Government in its objective to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable environment.” Aanu Talabi, Managing Director of Biotech added: “We are delighted to have the support of EPS group in our efforts to deliver sustainable wastewater solutions for the people in Nigeria.”

Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said: “EPS Group is recognised globally as a genuine end-to-end service provider in the global water sector.  EPS Group has a strong track-record, built over 46 years and they now export waste-water services to more than 30 countries worldwide.  This agreement is a recognition by Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development of EPS Group’s experience, standard of customer service and innovation. We congratulate both entities and wish them continued success in their collaborations in the provision of wastewater treatment facilities for homes, banks, schools, hospitals and office developments in Lagos”.

While Lagos state is the smallest state in Nigeria, it has the highest population at 17.9 million and this is due to increase twofold by 2050. The mega city generates 25% of Nigeria’s total gross domestic product.

Present at the announcement were:

• Mr Simon Coveney, T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Food, Marine and Defence
• Brendan Gleeson, Assistant Secretary General, General, Department Agriculture, Food and the Marine
• Caitriona Fitzpatrick, Adviser to the Minister
• Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland
• Fred Klinkenberg Manager – South Africa, Enterprise Ireland
• Thembi Malebye, Market Advisor Enterprise Ireland South Africa
• Thessa Bagu, Trade Representative – Nigeria Enterprise Ireland
• Seán Hoy, Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria
• Eoghan McSwiney, Deputy Head of Mission Irish Embassy, Nigeria
• EPS Group – Patrick Buckley, Deputy Managing Director
• Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Dev. – Townplanner Wasiu Anifowoshe
• Commissioner for Environment – Dr. Samuel Babatunde Adejare
• Permanent secretary for Environment- Mr Oluwatoyin Onisarotu
• Coordinator, Lagos State Wastewater House- Engr. Abdul
• Biotech – Aanu Talabi, MD/CEO
• Biotech – Adeola Talabi, Director