From Idu Jude, Abuja
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has concluded plans to launch a digital marketplace for waste transactions, according to a press statement signed by Assistant Director of Media, Amaka Ejiofor.
The platform, Waste Marketplace Nigeria, is a collaboration between NESREA and Recycle Stack to digitise Nigeria’s circular economy. The circular economy is operationalised in Nigeria under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which extends the responsibility of producers throughout the lifecycle of their products.
The statement noted, “The EPR is operational in sectors such as food and beverages, batteries, used tyres, and electrical electronics, with Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), recyclers, and collectors playing key roles along the value chain.”
NESREA indicated that the Waste Marketplace Nigeria platform aims to enhance digital inclusion and job creation for the informal sector, boost material recovery, reduce illegal dumping, and increase recycling rates.
The platform targets onboarding at least 10,000 verified users within the first four months and will serve as a data mining source for waste management, strengthening compliance and enforcement of environmental standards. The project is expected to kick off in Lagos and Abuja, with subsequent rollout in major cities across the country.
Speaking on the project, the Director General of NESREA, Prof Innocent Barikor, said, “Waste Marketplace Nigeria provides a transformative opportunity to digitise Nigeria’s waste economy while enabling regulation, accountability, and economic empowerment. It is also consistent with our focus on addressing environmental concerns through innovative solutions and partnerships.”
He added, “This joint initiative between NESREA and Recycle Stack is well-positioned to formalise the sector, create inclusive green jobs, drive investments, and ensure environmental compliance. It is also in line with National Development Goals and will serve as a model for other African countries.”
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