Maximising resource recovery through strategic partnerships to promote Nigeria’s circular economy

In an era marked by rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, the importance of sustainable practices cannot be overstated. Nigeria, with its vast population and growing economy, faces significant challenges in managing waste and resource utilisation. One of the most promising solutions to these challenges is adopting a circular economy model, which emphasises the continuous use of resources through the 3R concepts – recycling, reusing and repurposing.  As a mechanical and production engineer deeply committed to sustainability, I have dedicated my career to promoting the circular economy in Nigeria through strategic partnerships that maximise resource recovery. 

Defining the Circular Economy
The circular economy is an economic system aimed at minimising waste and making the most of resources. In contrast to the traditional linear economy, which follows a ‘take-make-dispose’ model, the circular economy is regenerative by design. It involves closing the loop of product lifecycles through greater resource efficiency, where materials are recovered and reused instead of being discarded as waste.

Strategic Partnerships: The Key to Success
Strategic partnerships are collaborations between various stakeholders – government agencies, private companies, non-profits and local communities – to achieve a common goal. In the context of the circular economy, these partnerships are crucial for pooling resources, sharing expertise and scalability of sustainable practices. By working together, stakeholders can create a more resilient economy that not only protects the environment but also generates economic value.

Maximising Resource Recovery in Nigeria
Nigeria’s waste management infrastructure is still in its developmental stages, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The country generates millions of tons of waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation. However, this waste represents a valuable resource that can be recovered and reintroduced into the economy.

At Talaat, we are poised to maximise resource recovery in Nigeria. Our approach involves forming strategic partnerships with local recycling organisations, government bodies and international technology providers to enhance our capacity for waste processing and recycling.

Case Study: Tire Recycling
One of our flagship projects focuses on tire recycling. In collaboration with the Modern Recycling Factory, we would implement advanced recycling technologies, including Eldan Recycling Technology from Denmark and Salvadori Machinery from Italy. These technologies would revolutionise the process of turning waste tires into valuable products such as sports surfaces and other rubberised materials. This initiative not only reduces the volume of waste tires in landfills but also creates new economic opportunities by producing high-demand recycled products.

Economic Viability and Revenue Generation
Maximising resource recovery is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable. By turning waste into valuable resources, we have created a profitable cycle that supports the financial sustainability of our operations. The recycled materials produced are sold to various industries, generating significant revenue that can be reinvested into furthering our recycling initiatives. This revenue generation model ensures that our projects are self-sustaining and can be scaled up to create even greater impact.

Empowering Communities
Our efforts to promote the circular economy also have a social dimension. By creating jobs in the recycling sector, we are empowering local communities and contributing to economic development. To date, our projects have facilitated employment for over 1,000 people across various sectors in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. Through training and skill development, we are helping individuals build careers in the growing field of sustainability, thereby fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

A Call to Action
Nigeria stands at a crossroads in its journey toward sustainable development. The potential benefits of embracing the circular economy are immense, from reducing environmental impact to creating new economic opportunities. However, realising this potential requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.

As we continue our work at Talaat, I call on strategic partners, individual investors, government agencies, corporate entities and all stakeholders in the recycling industry to join us in this important endeavor. Together, we can form a synergy that drives research, investment, and action toward a circular economy that benefits all Nigerians.

Let us wake up to this clarion call and work collectively to build a sustainable future for our nation. The time for action is now, and the possibilities are endless.
*Ihediohanma, MNSE, COREN,a Mechanical and Production Engineer and the CEO of Talaat Services, can be reached via [email protected] and www.talaatservices.com