NESREA to Launch Digital Waste Marketplace in Nigeria, Begins Rollout in Lagos and Abuja
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has announced plans to launch Waste Marketplace Nigeria, a digital platform designed to streamline waste transactions and promote sustainable environmental practices across the country.
According to Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s Assistant Director (Press), the platform aligns with the agency’s strategic goal of implementing a circular economy in Nigeria. The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja.
“This platform will digitize the waste economy in Nigeria, enhance digital inclusion, create jobs, and improve recycling rates,” Ejiofor said.
A Partnership to Power Nigeria’s Circular Economy
The new platform is the result of a collaboration between NESREA and Recyclestack, an environmental technology company focused on innovative waste solutions. It is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to operationalise the circular economy under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.
The EPR framework mandates producers to manage the full lifecycle of their products, particularly post-consumer waste. Key sectors under EPR in Nigeria include
- Food and beverage
- Batteries
- Used tyres
- Electrical and electronic equipment
Stakeholders in the EPR ecosystem—producers, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), recyclers, and collectors—will play integral roles on the Waste Marketplace Nigeria platform.
Key Features and Objectives of the Waste Marketplace Nigeria
The Waste Marketplace Nigeria is expected to serve as a central hub for digital waste transactions, bringing together informal and formal sector players to create an efficient, transparent waste value chain.
NESREA outlines the following key objectives for the platform:
- Onboard at least 10,000 verified users within the first 4 months
- Reduce illegal waste dumping and increase material recovery
- Promote job creation in the informal recycling sector
- Serve as a data mining tool to strengthen compliance and enforcement
- Support Nigeria’s environmental sustainability and national development goals
“By launching this platform, we aim to formalize the waste sector and create inclusive green jobs while improving regulatory oversight,” said Prof. Innocent Barikor, NESREA’s Director-General.
Initial Rollout in Lagos and Abuja, Expansion Planned
The platform’s rollout will begin in Lagos and Abuja, with NESREA planning a phased expansion to other major cities across Nigeria. The pilot launch in these urban hubs is expected to generate early feedback, refine the model, and prepare for national scale-up.
Prof. Barikor emphasized that the initiative reflects NESREA’s commitment to solving environmental challenges through digital innovation and public-private partnerships.
“This platform presents a transformative opportunity to digitize the country’s waste economy, attract investment, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations,” he added.
What You Should Know About NESREA
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) is Nigeria’s principal environmental enforcement body. It is responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental laws, protecting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable natural resource management.
NESREA works closely with local and international partners to strengthen Nigeria’s environmental governance and drive adoption of environmental technologies and best practices. The launch of the Waste Marketplace Nigeria is another major milestone in NESREA’s mission to lead Nigeria’s green transition through regulatory excellence and digital transformation.
With Nigeria facing growing environmental challenges, NESREA’s digital waste marketplace could become a game-changer for sustainable waste management and circular economy development. By formalising the sector and supporting job creation, the platform offers a blueprint for other African nations seeking to leverage technology for environmental impact.
