LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigeria’s recycling sector is positioning itself to tap into a projected $4.5 trillion global market, with industry leaders calling for urgent reforms to unlock growth.
AWAMN President, Dr Olugbenga Adebola, on Saturday said rapid urbanisation in cities like Lagos creates vast opportunities for circular economy development.
“Waste is not a social service. Investors must recover costs within a reasonable timeframe,” he states.
He identifies inflation, high fuel prices and costly financing as major constraints, while stressing that recycling delivers stronger long-term value than landfill disposal.
The sector has generated over 26,000 jobs, with ongoing efforts to formalise informal workers and improve efficiency.
Adebola warns that poor waste management contributes to flooding, groundwater pollution and ocean microplastics.
“Recycling plays a critical role in reducing environmental degradation,” he says.
He urges stricter enforcement of existing regulations, investment-friendly policies and adoption of the polluter-pays principle.
Adebola also calls for public awareness and waste traceability systems to improve accountability and shift perceptions around waste as an economic asset.
Join the conversation