By Ojugbele Omotunde
Solid waste investment is an enterprise that most investors find unappealing, yet it may also yield enormous profits.
Nigeria produces 32 million tons of garbage a year, but the lack of robust environmental regulations, inadequate government infrastructure, and inadequate enforcement of laws have further highlighted the need for private industry to engage in the sector to close the gap.
Disappointed by certain Nigerians’ careless approach toward waste management, Dr. Innocent Ihennacho Ogbonna stated that investors need to step up and close the gap.
He states: “For example, Nestle Nigeria is not only creating jobs for hundreds of people or creating sound nutritious products but also ensuring tidiness and clean environment.
“Upon visiting its Agbara location, I saw that it had many waste management sections that ensure that empty plastic bottles are kept separate from other debris”, he said.
According to Ogbonna, with numerous public events held in open spaces, one can earn N150,000 per month by renting out mobile restrooms and N100,000 by selling recycled goods like metal objects and other items.
“However, someone will need to spend almost N4million for portable and moveable mobile toilets or trash disposal vehicles equipped with additional equipment in order to handle solid waste.
“Currently, you may make N2,000 a day by renting mobile portable restrooms, which are mostly needed in areas with big crowds of people for events. This is a profitable investment”, he said.
