Stakeholders across the waste management value chain have called for stronger government backing, policy consistency and increased investment to unlock Nigeria’s waste to wealth potential at the ongoing Nigeria Circular Economy Week.
The four day event, holding at Lagos Continental Hotel, has brought together local operators, foreign investors, academics and development partners to explore sustainable waste solutions.
During a working group session, Founder and Director of SweepSmart, Niels van den Hoek, said discussions focused on building a viable large scale mixed waste processing model tailored to Nigeria’s realities. He noted that while opportunities abound, financial sustainability remains a key hurdle.
According to him, about 70 percent of waste in Nigeria is not collected, while much of the remaining 30 percent ends up in unmanaged dumpsites, posing environmental and health risks. He explained that with the right framework, waste could be converted into valuable products such as refuse derived fuel, compost and recyclable materials, creating over 300 jobs in a single facility.
However, he stressed that low tipping fees and inadequate policy support threaten scalability. He added that SweepSmart is currently raising funds for a feasibility study and could become operational within two years if conditions are right.
Environmental chemist Dr Abdul Ganiyu Adelopo emphasized the need for a stable regulatory environment, warning that inconsistent tariffs and policy reversals could discourage long term investment. He called for tax incentives and government support, particularly in equipment importation, to help circular economy products compete in the market.
On the local front, President of SWEEP Foundation Nigeria, Obuesi Phillips, revealed plans to establish a large scale mixed waste processing facility in Ogun State, targeting over 300 tonnes of waste daily. He acknowledged challenges such as unreliable electricity and logistics bottlenecks but expressed optimism about the sector’s potential.
Participants agreed that transforming Nigeria’s waste crisis into a sustainable industry will require strong partnerships, consistent policies and shared commitment from both government and private investors.
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