UNIDO rallies FG to boost $10bn circular economy

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has called on the Federal Government to accelerate coordinated implementation of circular economy policies in Nigeria, as stakeholders warn that funding gaps and a shortage of local recycling innovations are slowing progress. UNIDO made the call at the first quarter 2026 meeting of the Nigeria Circular Economy Working […]

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has called on the Federal Government to accelerate coordinated implementation of circular economy policies in Nigeria, as stakeholders warn that funding gaps and a shortage of local recycling innovations are slowing progress.

UNIDO made the call at the first quarter 2026 meeting of the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group (NCEWG) held in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The meeting brought together federal and state government officials, development partners, and private sector actors to review progress, identify bottlenecks and strengthen collaboration toward a greener economy.

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria’s circular economy has been estimated to generate $10bn in the year 2030 with capacity to generate over a million jobs.

The NCEWG was established as a locally driven platform to promote and coordinate the adoption of circular economy principles across Nigeria. Its mandate includes facilitating evidence-based policies and developing bankable projects that can be replicated nationwide.

Despite progress, stakeholders acknowledged that the circular economy agenda faces major challenges. These include limited financing, infrastructure deficits for waste-to-wealth initiatives, inadequate data for planning and impact measurement, and a shortage of locally developed recycling technologies suited to Nigeria’s context.

National Programme Officer at UNIDO, Dr. Osuji Otu, emphasised that while the Circular Economy Powered Renewable Energy Centre (CEPREC) roadmap provides strategic direction, effective implementation requires alignment across ministries, agencies, academia, the private sector and development partners.

 

He stressed that collaboration not duplication is the strength of the Working Group.

 

“As Co-Chair, UNIDO remains fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s green and just transition through programmes on circular plastics, renewable energy, industrial value chains, waste management, and policy advisory support,” he said, pledging continued support to translate circular economy principles into practical and scalable solutions.

 

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, said collective efforts under the Working Group aim to position Nigeria as a regional leader in circular innovation.

 

Represented by Deputy Director Dr. Nwankwo Livinus Nnamdi, he noted that the overarching goal is inclusive green growth that combines environmental sustainability with economic diversification, job creation and long-term resilience.

 

According to him, Nigeria’s circular economy roadmap seeks to move the country away from the traditional “take-make-use-dispose” model toward a regenerative system that prioritises resource efficiency and sustainable production.

 

 

 

“This is not just a policy document; it is a living framework guiding our collective actions to ensure Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy is both ambitious and achievable,” he stated.

 

At the sub-national level, state commissioners underscored the need for stronger implementation frameworks and sustained dialogue.

 

Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said effective waste management requires embedding circular economy principles into state policies. He argued that every component of waste should be given new life through recycling and value-chain incentives, adding that “the environment must be everybody’s business.”

 

He highlighted improvements in recycling infrastructure and partnerships, including support from Coca-Cola and UNIDO for recycling hubs.

 

Similarly, Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, stressed that continuous engagement and policy validation at state levels would be critical to achieving implementation targets.

 

Stakeholders agreed that advancing circular economy practices could significantly reduce waste, prevent environmental degradation, and create new economic opportunities.