By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) is poised to transform Nigeria’s waste management sector with the launch of a groundbreaking digital marketplace for waste transactions.
The initiative, announced on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Abuja, aims to accelerate the country’s shift toward a circular economy.
Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director (Press) at NESREA, said the Waste Marketplace Nigeria platform is a collaboration with Recyclestack designed to digitize waste management and promote environmental sustainability.
This platform aligns with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme, which requires producers to manage their products throughout their entire lifecycle.
“The platform will empower informal waste workers, boost recycling efforts, and combat illegal dumping,” Ejiofor explained.
“We aim to onboard 10,000 verified users in the first four months and strengthen compliance with environmental standards.”
The rollout will begin in Lagos and Abuja before expanding to other major Nigerian cities.
NESREA’s Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, described the project as a transformative step toward formalizing the waste sector, creating green jobs, attracting investments, and advancing national development goals.
“This initiative not only addresses environmental challenges but also sets a model for other African countries,” Barikor said.
