Building on the success of the first phase of the Plastic Recycling Program in Southern Nigeria (PReP), international nonprofit, TechnoServe, has launched the Plastic Recycling Programme in Nigeria PReP 2.0, with funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation. This new phase is aimed at continuing to develop an inclusive recycling system, strengthening livelihoods, and supporting more sustainable environmental solutions across Nigeria.
According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Nigeria generates approximately 2.5 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, with Lagos producing about 13,000 metric tons of solid waste daily. Much of this ends up in waterways and communities, posing severe environmental and health risks. Through the PReP initiative, what was once seen as waste has become a source of income, employment, and environmental renewal for thousands of Nigerians.
Since its inception, PReP has transformed the recycling landscape in Lagos and Anambra, diverting over 59,000metric tons of plastic waste, creating and improving 10,000 livelihoods, and building a vibrant network of 51 aggregators who now drive more inclusive growth and sustainability in the recycling sector. The programme has provided equipment, training and working capital support, empowering women and youth-led enterprises to lead in developing a robust recycling value chain.
“These achievements represent not just statistics, but powerful stories of resilience and transformation,” said Adesuwa Akinboro, Nigeria Country Director, TechnoServe. “Aggregators and collectors are now operating as business owners, improving their livelihoods and helping their communities while keeping plastic waste out of the environment.”
The launch of PReP 2.0 marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s journey toward a sustainable recycling economy. Expanding operations to Kano State, alongside Anambra and Lagos, this new phase will aim to create and improve an additional 2,400 jobs and divert 32,000 metric tons of plastic waste from the environment.
The initiative aims to build a more profitable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable recycling industry by:
- Strengthening collaboration between market actors to help ensure fair, efficient, and safe recycling practices.
- Creating a cadre of business-oriented players, to increase recovery and recycling efficiency.
- Expanding partnerships with financial institutions, local governments, and private sector actors to unlock financing and create enabling conditions for growth.
“At The Coca-Cola Foundation, we’re focused on supporting environmental sustainability and empowering communities,” said Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “Through initiatives like PReP 2.0, we are proud to deepen our impact, reducing plastic waste, cutting emissions, and supporting thousands of livelihoods across Nigeria as we work toward a cleaner and more inclusive future.”
The programme will also promote gender inclusion, environmental education, and behavior change communication so that women and youth can continue to play central roles in driving local recycling innovations.
As Nigeria strives to achieve its sustainability and environmental goals, Prep 2.0 stands as a model for how public-private partnerships can turn challenges into economic opportunities, advancing both community well-being and resilience.