The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency has announced plans to launch a digital platform to support waste transactions in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, said the initiative is part of efforts to promote the circular economy in the country.
The new platform, called Waste Marketplace Nigeria, is being developed in partnership with Recyclestack.
Ejiofor explained that Nigeria’s circular economy is being implemented through the Extended Producer Responsibility Programme, which places responsibility on producers for the entire lifecycle of their products — from design to post-consumer waste management.
“EPR is operational in sectors such as food and beverages, batteries, used tyres, and electrical electronics, with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), recyclers, and collectors playing key roles along the value chain.
“Through the 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 to onboard at least 10,000 verified users within the first four months, and by serving as a data mining source in the waste management.
“With this, it will strengthen compliance and enforcement of environmental standards,” she said.
Ejiofor stated that the project will initially launch in Lagos and Abuja, with a phased rollout planned for other major cities across Nigeria.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor,described Waste Marketplace Nigeria as a transformative platform that will digitize the waste economy, enhance regulatory oversight, promote accountability, and drive economic empowerment.
He emphasized that the project reflects NESREA’s ongoing commitment to tackling environmental challenges through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
Prof. Barikor explained that the partnership with Recyclestack is intended to formalize Nigeria’s waste sector, generate inclusive green jobs, attract private investment, and promote compliance with environmental regulations.
He also highlighted that the Waste Marketplace Nigeria platform supports the country’s National Development Goals and could serve as a benchmark for other African countries seeking to digitize their waste economies.
As Nigeria’s lead environmental enforcement agency, NESREA continues to play a crucial role in protecting and advancing environmental sustainability nationwide.
