By Henry Ojelu

LAGOS — In a renewed push to tackle Nigeria’s mounting plastic waste crisis and expand economic opportunities, international nonprofit, TechnoServe, has launched the second phase of its Plastic Recycling Program in Nigeria (PReP 2.0), with funding support from The Coca-Cola Foundation.

The new phase builds on the gains recorded in the pilot stage and is designed to scale up inclusive recycling systems, strengthen livelihoods, and drive sustainable environmental solutions across the country.

Nigeria is estimated to generate about 2.5 million metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with Lagos alone producing roughly 13,000 metric tonnes of solid waste daily.

A significant portion of this waste finds its way into waterways and residential communities, posing serious environmental and public health risks.

However, the PReP initiative has begun to reverse this trend by transforming plastic waste into economic value, creating jobs and improving livelihoods for thousands of Nigerians.

Since its inception, the programme has recorded notable milestones, including the diversion of over 59,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste from the environment, the creation and improvement of 10,000 livelihoods, and the establishment of a network of 51 aggregators driving growth and sustainability in the recycling value chain.

Through targeted interventions such as provision of equipment, training, and working capital, the initiative has empowered small-scale operators—particularly women and youth—to transition into viable business owners within the recycling ecosystem.

Speaking on the impact of the programme, Nigeria Country Director of TechnoServe, Adesuwa Akinboro, described the achievements as more than mere statistics.

According to her, “These results reflect real stories of resilience and transformation. Aggregators and collectors are now running structured businesses, improving their incomes while contributing to cleaner communities.”

With the rollout of PReP 2.0, operations will expand beyond Lagos and Anambra to Kano State, marking a significant geographical scale-up aimed at deepening impact nationwide.

The new phase is projected to create and enhance an additional 2,400 jobs, while diverting about 32,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste from the environment.

President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Carlos Pagoaga, said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

“We are committed to reducing plastic waste, lowering emissions, and supporting livelihoods. Through PReP 2.0, we are deepening our impact and contributing to a cleaner, more inclusive future for Nigeria,” he said.

Beyond economic and environmental gains, the programme will promote gender inclusion, environmental education, and behavioural change, ensuring that women and young people remain at the forefront of recycling innovation.