The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has concluded plans to launch a digital marketplace for waste transactions. This is in keeping with the implementation of the Circular Economy in Nigeria,
The platform Waste Marketplace Nigeria is a collaboration between NESREA and Recyclestack, which aims to digitise the Circular Economy in Nigeria.
Circular Economy is operationalised in Nigeria under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which extends a producer’s responsibility throughout the product’s lifecycle.
EPR is operational in sectors such as food and beverages, batteries, used tyres, and electrical electronics. Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), recyclers, and collectors play key roles along the value chain.
Through Waste Marketplace Nigeria platform, NESREA plans to enhance digital inclusion and job creation for the informal sector, boost material recovery, reduce illegal dumping and increase the rate of recycling.
The platform targets onboarding at least 10,000 verified users within the first four months. By serving as a data mining source in waste management, it will strengthen compliance and enforcement of environmental standards. The project will kick off in Lagos and Abuja and then roll out 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 consistent with our focus on addressing environmental concerns through innovative solutions and partnerships.”
He added that “this joint initiative between NESREA and Recyclestack 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.”
