By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
A leading recycling and waste management company has called on Nigerians to prioritize the purchase of recycled products as part of efforts to reduce the country’s growing waste burden and promote sustainable living.
The appeal was made in Lagos on Monday during a stakeholders’ forum on environmental sustainability, where the firm emphasized that consumer behavior plays a critical role in waste control.
Nigeria generates an estimated 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with plastic and packaging materials constituting a large share, according to the World Bank. Poor waste disposal practices and weak recycling culture have left cities struggling with blocked drainages, polluted waterways, and mounting landfills.
Speaking at the event, the company’s Managing Director, Mrs. Ifeoma Adebanjo, said Nigerians must begin to view waste not as refuse but as a resource.
“Every plastic bottle, can, or paper that is recycled reduces pressure on the environment. But for recycling to work, there must be demand for recycled products. When Nigerians buy recycled goods, they close the loop and make waste control effective,” Adebanjo stated.
She noted that while recycling initiatives are expanding across the country, patronage of recycled goods remains low due to misconceptions about quality and durability.
“Recycled products are not inferior. In fact, many of them meet international standards and can last as long as new items. By supporting them, consumers encourage industries to invest more in recycling technologies,” she explained.
The firm showcased a range of recycled items from plastic chairs and school furniture to bags and household materials produced in its Lagos plant.
Environmental experts at the forum highlighted the potential of recycling to create jobs and reduce reliance on imports.
“Recycling is not just about saving the environment, it is also about building an economy. From collection to processing, the recycling value chain can create thousands of jobs for Nigerian youths,” said Dr. Ahmed Musa, an environmental economist.
He added that recycled materials are often cheaper, offering consumers affordable alternatives while reducing production costs for manufacturers.
Participants at the event also urged government agencies to support recycling through policy incentives, such as tax breaks for recycling firms, stronger enforcement of waste segregation policies, and public awareness campaigns.
Nigeria has set a target of reducing plastic pollution by 50% before 2030, in line with global climate commitments. However, experts warn that without consumer participation, the goal may remain out of reach.
Some consumers at the event admitted that lack of awareness has limited their patronage of recycled products.
“I didn’t know most of these items were made from recycled waste. They look like regular products, and some are even more affordable. I think awareness is the key,” said Lagos resident, Grace Okonkwo, after touring the product exhibition.
Globally, recycling has been identified as a key pillar in the transition to a circular economy, where materials are reused rather than discarded. Countries like Rwanda and South Africa have made significant progress in integrating recycling into national waste policies.
For Nigeria, adopting a circular economy approach could ease the pressure on landfills, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve urban sanitation.
As Nigeria grapples with the twin challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change, the call to embrace recycled products is gaining urgency.
By shifting consumer habits, experts say Nigerians can play a direct role in controlling waste, boosting the recycling economy, and preserving the environment for future generations.
