National News
Nigeria Unveils National Waste Marketplace Programme to Drive Circular Economy and Green Innovation
Nigeria Unveils National Waste Marketplace Programme to Drive Circular Economy and Green Innovation
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has officially launched the National Waste Marketplace Programme (NWMP), a groundbreaking digital platform designed to revolutionise waste management, promote recycling, and stimulate green enterprise across the country.
The unveiling ceremony, which was held in Abuja on Thursday, brought together representatives from government, the private sector, academia, civil society organisations, and international development partners, including the European Union (EU), German Development Cooperation (GIZ), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event was marked by addresses from key figures in Nigeria’s environmental sector, including Prof. Innocent Barikor, representative of the Legal Business School Sustainability Centre, and the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who served as the guest of honour.
Barikor described the National Waste Marketplace Programme as an innovative step by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to bridge environmental sustainability with economic opportunity through digital technology.
He said: “The National Waste Marketplace Programme represents our national resolve to harness innovation and partnership for sustainable waste management and a thriving circular economy.
“It embodies the idea that waste, when properly managed, can drive growth, enterprise, and inclusion across society.”
The programme, he explained, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which emphasises economic diversification, innovation, and effective governance. By connecting waste generators, recyclers, aggregators, and end-users in a transparent, traceable system, the initiative aims to transform waste from an environmental burden into an economic asset.
Delivering the keynote address, Balarabe Lawal hailed the initiative as a “landmark innovation” that formalises Nigeria’s waste value chain.
“The National Waste Marketplace is an opportunity to close the gap in our waste management system by modernising operations and advancing the principles of the circular economy,” the Minister stated.
He highlighted that millions of tonnes of recyclable materials are lost annually due to poor disposal practices a challenge that the NWMP seeks to address by creating economic linkages across the recycling ecosystem.
The Minister noted that the initiative aligns with several national and international frameworks, including the National Policy on Solid Waste Management, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, National Circular Economy Roadmap, and global agreements such as the Basel Convention and the Paris Agreement.
“This programme will not only promote responsible production and consumption but also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Goals 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, and 15,” he said.
The Minister also acknowledged the Recycle Start Nigeria Limited, NESREA’s technology partner, for its role in developing the digital infrastructure behind the platform.
“The success of this programme demonstrates how regulatory reform, private sector participation, and technological innovation can converge to deliver environmental and economic benefits,” Lawal said.
He urged all stakeholders government agencies, private sector players, recyclers, investors, and civil society to take ownership of the National Waste Marketplace Programme.
He said: “By working together, we can build a more organised waste management system that promotes accountability, creates jobs, and safeguards our environment.”
Through the NWMP, waste will no longer be seen as refuse but as a resource for value creation. The platform enables efficient trading of recyclable materials while ensuring traceability and accountability across the waste management chain.
Barikor emphasised that the system will empower youth and small businesses, stimulate investment, and expand livelihood opportunities in local communities.
“This initiative gives practical expression to our collective aspiration for a cleaner, more prosperous Nigeria where waste management becomes a driver of innovation and employment,” he said.
Both speakers expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s development partners including GIZ, UNDP, UNIDO, and the European Union for their continued collaboration and technical support in promoting circular economy initiatives.
The launch of the National Waste Marketplace Programme marks a defining step in Nigeria’s transition toward a circular economy, one that prioritises innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth turning the nation’s waste challenge into a powerful engine for green development.
Nigeria Unveils National Waste Marketplace Programme to Drive Circular Economy and Green Innovation
National News
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
By: Our Reporter
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, joined thousands of muslim faithful to observe the Eid prayers at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.
The two units prayer were observed peacefully at the main Eid ground and other prayer grounds across the state under tight security, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.

In a sallah message shortly after the sermon by the Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettiima Mamman Saleh, the Vice President called for unity and peaceful coexistence in the state and the country as a whole.

Senator Shettima assures the Federal Government Gommitment to protecting the lives and properties of the citizenry, stressing that the fight against insurgency would be tackled head-on.
The Imam Idaini admonished worshippers to imbibe the lessons learned during the holy month and encouraged Muslim faithful to give alms to the poor (zakatul fitr) and to fast six days in the month of Shawwal to receive Allah’s bounties and rewards.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in a sallah message, called on faithful to recharge their spiritual beings towards rebuilding a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Borno.
He saluted the courage, resilience, and commitment of the people to all initiatives aimed at deepening security and peace-building among the various components of society, fragmented by the Boko Haram insurgency over the years.
The Eid prayer was attended by the Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Almin El-Kanemi; the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; the APC Deputy National Chairman, North, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, Minister of State for Regional Development.

Other dignitaries include members of the House of Representatives and the Borno State House of Assembly, former deputy governors, the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, APC stalwarts, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
National News
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
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