Sahara Group Foundation Expands Circular Economy Drive with New Go-Recycling Hub in Navy Town, Lagos

Sahara Group Foundation Expands Circular Economy Drive with New Go-Recycling Hub in Navy Town, Lagos

L-R, OD Ogunsakin – Assistant Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos;Eguono Soewu – Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, IBILE Oil & Gas Corporation; Major General Emeka Onwuamegbu (Rtd.) – Board Chairman, Sahara Group Foundation; Commodore SM Tasiu –Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) WEY; Chidilim Menakaya – Director, Sahara Group Foundation; Ayodele Oluwole – Operations, Wecyclers Corporation and Kunle Adebiyi – Executive Director (Finance), LAWMA during the unveiling of Sahara Group Foundation's 14th Go-Recycling hubs on Friday, 16th May, 2025 in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – In a significant move to promote environmental sustainability and community empowerment, Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social sustainability arm of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 14th Sahara Go-Recycling Hub at Navy Town Barracks, Ojo, Lagos.

This latest addition builds on the momentum of 13 previously established hubs across Lagos State, all aimed at advancing the circular economy by reducing waste and encouraging the continuous reuse and recycling of resources.

At the commissioning event, Major General Emeka Onwuamaegbu (Rtd.), Board Chairman of Sahara Group Foundation, described the initiative as a transformative effort poised to turn residents into key participants in environmental conservation. “We are witnessing a paradigm shift in Navy Town. This project empowers residents to protect the environment while earning a living,” he said.

Director of Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, emphasized the initiative’s broader goal of driving sustainable development by creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both the environment and local communities.

“With 14 hubs now operational, we are not only reducing waste, but also creating jobs, supporting livelihoods, and laying the groundwork for a robust circular economy in Nigeria,” she stated. Menakaya further noted that plans are underway to establish more hubs in line with the Foundation’s mission of “building sustainable societies, one community at a time.”

Since its inception, the Sahara Go-Recycling Initiative has facilitated the collection of over 367 tonnes of recyclable waste and disbursed more than ₦43 million to beneficiaries. The initiative has reached over 500 households, providing alternative income sources and improving living standards.

The event also drew support from key stakeholders. Commodore SM Tasiu, Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, praised the initiative and called for its expansion to other military and paramilitary formations. “I envision a Navy Town where no plastic or nylon litters the environment. This program is a game changer,” he said.

Anita Idaho, President of the Naval Ratings Wives Association (NARAWA), shared the enthusiasm of the community. “We are grateful to Sahara Group Foundation. This hub gives us the opportunity to turn trash into cash while keeping our environment clean,” she remarked.

Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, Executive Director (Finance) at the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), commended the Foundation for contributing to the state’s efforts to tackle flooding and pollution. “Collaboration is key. We appreciate this partnership and look forward to more impactful projects,” he said.

The Sahara Go-Recycling Initiative is implemented in partnership with Wecyclers and Ibile Oil and Gas, providing accessible drop-off points for recyclable materials in communities such as Ijora, Ikorodu, Agege, Festac, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island, and Maryland. Residents can exchange items like plastics and aluminium cans for rewards, encouraging responsible waste disposal and economic empowerment.

Menakaya underscored the role of strategic partnerships in amplifying impact. “At Sahara Group Foundation, we are committed to EXTRApreneurship – building sustainable ecosystems through collaborative innovation. Our alliances with Wecyclers and Ibile Oil have been central to the success of this initiative,” she said.

Sahara Group Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the Go-Recycling Initiative to more communities across Nigeria and Africa, furthering its vision of building sustainable communities through purposeful engagement.

For more information, visit www.saharagroupfoundation.org.