General
Using the Waste to Wealth Model to Address Nigeria’s Plastic Waste Problem
By Adedapo Adesanya
In the inroads of Ajike Falaye Street in Mosan-Okunola LCDA Alimosho, a young man was using a spade to lift wet sand out of a clogged drainage system on a Wednesday night in April, a hasty move to avoid hefty punishment meted out by the Lagos State government for poor sanitation.
Thursdays are designated by the Lagos state for general sanitation, and commercial activities are put on hold till 10 am. The young man, Isaiah, told me, “These plastics are always too much,” and he is not alone in this. According to a report, Nigeria ranks ninth among countries with the highest contributions to plastic pollution, with close to 90 per cent of them not recycled.
While many see this issue as a business opportunity, others see it not just through this limited scope.
According to Babatunde Sanni, the project coordinator at Waste to Wealth (Watowe), it is applying a double model to solve the plastic problem while utilising other value-added services like healthcare to bring about the desired goal of recycling among the people of the communities it operates.
“The reason why we decided to tackle plastic waste is because of sustainability. We looked at rural communities in the first stages. We do a lot of community work to ensure that they not only tackle this issue head-on but how can we offer them value? So we look at how we can kill two birds with one stone, hence, why we created waste to wealth or Watowe,” said Sanni.
“It was instrumental in getting their trust, and one thing about people in communities that we deal with is the hard task it takes to win their trust. From our onset, we just had to do a lot to win their trust because getting their trust was necessary before we can bring about desired behaviour from those we target.” For instance, after proper monitoring and evaluation, the team, alongside volunteers and partners including Glovo, and Inspired Youth Network, among others, have cleaned up communities and beaches in Lagos.
The Mechanisms of Watowe
According to Mr Sanni, Watowe was started in 2017 after he identified the many issues prevalent in the Nigerian environment. This came after in-depth research that saw him visit several communities in Lagos, Abuja, and other states. He noted that the rural communities were the first entry point before moving on to more sub-national locations.
“The rural community is the first stage when it comes to solving issues like this. We looked at what other value of wealth we can give them, so we noted that while the wealth approach will not involve money, we can have a replica of that.”
This, he said, involved the use of healthcare subsidies that are insured by waste. The company partners with several healthcare companies that allow residents of these communities access to several insurance packages. Speaking of how this is done, Sanni noted that. “It is a give-and-take approach. We have to offer them something to earn their trust. After this, we then issue the cards. These insurance cards range from life, health, and gadgets, and we will bring more on board in later years.”
Gaps
The low level of recycling, which is less than 12 per cent, poses a huge threat to plastic pollution management in Nigeria. But it has reached a better position in the last few years and despite the many promises present in the field, Sanni noted that, like every company that takes the initiative approach to solve issues that relate to the environment, funding is a major hurdle. Watowe is a self-funded enterprise, and accounting for the high cost it takes remains a problem that he hopes will be resolved in the long run.
“The major problem we face is the cost of logistics. The value never matches the logistics. Since we became registered in 2020, we have had to do all the heavy lifting ourselves, and we hope that with the steps we are taking, we will be able to meet our target.”
He further revealed that there are some strides that he couldn’t disclose due to the legal restraints on them but noted that by 2023, Watowe would have increased its capacity to around 15 tonnes per day.
“Currently, we have recycled about 200 tonnes of plastic waste, but we are moving to bring these communities into the fold to improve this. We try not to act like those companies that set themselves unreal targets.”
Closing the Gaps
Watowe has committed to continue its advocacy, project building, and community outreach while banking on its business model but advocated for more laws. The Lagos State government last year planned to launch new legislation to curb the menace of waste in the state and support businesses in the circular economy, but that hasn’t seen the light of day. The drawback in law remains a large hurdle with the slowdown in the move to ban polythene products. Also, the Nigerian government, despite making no law to introduce taxation on Single Use Plastics tax. This raised concerns from manufacturers that it does not appear to have a basis in law, as it is not provided for under the Customs, Excise, Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act (CETA), unlike beverages and tobacco.
Sanni noted that the government needed to be more deliberate in taxing plastic products, suggesting that companies should charge consumers to bring their bags from home or pay for them, adding that this will change their behaviours.
“If this is done, people will come with paper bags. I know that we cannot completely ban plastics in one fell swoop, but we can make considerable progress with it in Nigeria, and with the work we have seen in the last few years, I say we are getting there.”
Community Impact and Progress
Watowe has been able to reach a considerable number of communities in Lagos. According to information shared, the company has seen its impact in Odumola in Epe, Orile, Okun Aja, and Sangotedo.
In the Odumola environs of Epe, Watowe has cleaned up entire streets and applied collection points where residents can dump their single-use plastic containers. This has been replicated in the Orile area in Agege.
In June 2023, during the celebration of World Environment Day, in partnership with Action Aid Nigeria and Inspired Youth Network, there was a clean-up at Coney Island Lagos, one of the beach resorts in Lagos. This was followed by an awareness event on the threat of plastic pollution to the environment, where the collective organisers encouraged collective action.
The most significant intervention was done at Noon (pronounced noo nee) Street in the Oworonshoki area of the state. Collection points for plastic waste were applied, and residents could bring their packs of waste and get rewarded.
This is, however, yet to catch much attention, but Sanni said that progress depends on a lot of things. One of these is trust. He revealed that once trust has been established, there needs to be more that needs to be done.
The Lagos State government has played its part, he said, but the public-private partnerships need to extend to sustainable projects as well. He said the Lagos State administration over the last 15 years had made sizeable impacts which Watowe has been part of. These include seminars and special lectures that saw industry players come on board but admitted that policies could remain a drawback where necessary.
“No matter your contingency, as long as the government doesn’t do certain things, you are back to square one. They have the larger role to play before we can do our bit,” he said.
Educating the Next Generation on Recycling
Watowe has also extended its reach beyond grassroots communities and into the vibrant Generation Alpha with the collaboration it has had with primary and secondary schools. Mr Sanni said the company was working with a number of schools, including Meadow Hall Schools in Lekki, where it is a constant feature in its recycling club. This club is tasked with debates, assignments, and projects around recycling, and this has brought about more results since it commenced Post-COVID. Another such beneficiary is Ilasan Nursery and Primary School, which, unlike Meadow Hall, doesn’t have a defined recycling club yet but partakes in activities from time to time. Watowe hopes that with its expected growth and reach, more schools will be able to tap into this.
Sanni noted that partnerships like these are welcome, and investors and funding will see more initiatives pop out. Already some initiatives like Wecyclers and United Cylcers are pushing ahead with their intervention, but for people like Isaiah, the impact is yet to reach them.
This story was produced in partnership with Nigeria Health Watch through the Solutions Journalism Network, a non-profit organisation dedicated to rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems.
As part of the activities commemorating the 2025 edition of ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,’ the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement (AIPLA), in collaboration with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN-Nigeria) and Womanifesto, will on December 9 convene the Beijing+30 Women’s Summit – a landmark national gathering to reflect on three decades of progress, challenges, and unfinished commitments under the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA).
Organised to strengthen women’s movements in Nigeria, the event is coming up 30 years after the historic Beijing, China, International Women’s Conference of 1995, as a platform to review the decades past while projecting for the years ahead.
Themed Beijing+30 Women’s Summit – Holding the Line for Women’s Rights: Looking Back and Marching Forward, the event aims to re-examine the pivotal roles played by African women, both on the continent and in the diaspora, in shaping the agenda, while facilitating intergenerational exchange and galvanising collective agency to advance feminist sensitive rights issues.
To set the ball rolling, three distinguished African feminists, ‘Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Co-founder, Amandla Institute; Prof. Funmilayo Para-Mallam, Chair, AWLN-Nigeria; and Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi of Womanifesto, would give welcome remarks and provide instructional context setting for the event. Thereafter, goodwill messages will be delivered from selected leaders and experts, ahead two panel sessions that will address issues related to women’s rights, abuses, and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Recall that the Secretary-General of the Beijing Women’s Summit foregrounded the struggles of African women. Over the years, several African countries have made progressive strides through legal and constitutional reforms in their determination to chart a bold, transformative agenda for the empowerment of women.
Women constitute 60–79% of the rural workforce, yet men are five times more likely to own land. In the annals of international policy, the issues of power, politics, and policy were placed squarely on irregular measures.
In Rwanda, female parliamentary representation is the global highest at 61.3%; Senegal has passed a 50/50 parity law, Sierra Leone has a 30% affirmative action law, while Uganda has a constitutionally guaranteed representation for women. However, in Nigeria, the persistent gender gap in access to resources, representation, and opportunities remains painfully low for women.
These examples underscore what is possible when political will aligns with women’s agency. In regard to these concerns, the Women’s Summit is thus geared towards enhancing understanding of the historical significance and continuing relevance of the Beijing Conference of 1995 and its numerous outcomes, strengthening leadership and coordination among women’s organisations, renewing the advocacy for the call to action and especially to expand the mentorship networks linking with younger and seasoned women leaders across Nigeria.
By Adedapo Adesanya
There were jitters of a military coup in Benin Republic, which borders Nigeria to the west, but has been denied by the Presidency.
Soldiers in the West African nation announced on national TV on Sunday morning that they have ousted President Patrice Talon and seized power.
“The situation is under control. A large part of the army is still loyalist – and we are taking over the situation,” Foreign Minister Shegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters news agency.
An unnamed person in the presidency told the AFP news agency: “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The city and the country are completely secure.”
BBC reported that the French embassy in Benin said gunfire had been reported near the residence of the president.
The soldiers also announced a suspension of the constitution and closure of all land borders and the country’s airspace.
According to their statement, Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.
President Talon, 67, is due to step down next year after completing his second term in office. He has been in office since 2016.
This is the latest coup development after military officers said they had seized control of Guinea-Bissau, another West African country, after elections.
Soldiers reportedly arrested the democratically elected incumbent president, Mr Umaro Sissoco Embaló and also suspended the electoral process in which he was in line to win again.
They said they were acting to thwart a plot by unnamed politicians who had “the support of a well-known drug baron” to destabilise the country, and announced the closure of its borders and imposed a night-time curfew.
Coups have become common place in Africa since 2020: Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, Madagascar, and recently Guinea-Bissau then now, Benin Republic have seen military takeover. This has raised alarms about possibilities in other African states.
General
Unlocking Profitability: The Benefits of Hiring a Property Management Company in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach’s vibrant real estate market beckons both seasoned and novice investors looking to reap substantial returns. However, property ownership comes with its fair share of challenges, including day-to-day maintenance, tenant relations, and the nuances of legal compliance. This is where the expertise of a property management company becomes invaluable. An efficient property manager can alleviate these burdens, permitting owners to enjoy their investments’ benefits with fewer headaches. Keep reading to discover how property management in West Palm Beach can enhance your real estate experience and profitability.
Unlocking Profitability: The Role of Property Management Companies in West Palm Beach
Property managers play a huge role in keeping rental properties profitable, especially in a competitive market like West Palm Beach. They handle the day-to-day work that often drains an owner’s time, from setting the right rental rates to advertising vacancies. Thanks to their knowledge of local trends, West Palm Beach Property Management teams help attract reliable tenants and keep units occupied.
They also serve as the bridge between owners and renters, managing everything from screenings and inspections to repairs and conflict resolution. By keeping properties well-maintained and responding quickly to tenant needs, they boost satisfaction and encourage long-term leases, ultimately protecting property value and strengthening steady cash flow for owners.
Enhancing Real Estate Value through Professional Property Management
Professional property management plays a key role in increasing long-term property value. These teams guide strategic upgrades and renovations that boost appeal and competitiveness in the West Palm Beach market. Consistent maintenance schedules protect essential features, prevent costly repairs, and support stronger property assessments. Skilled managers also anticipate market trends, directing improvements that align with evolving tenant expectations and help properties attract higher rents and responsible occupants.
By coordinating directly with contractors and service providers, they ensure all work meets professional standards while securing competitive pricing through established vendor relationships, giving property owners both savings and confidence in the care of their investment.
Streamlining Operations: How Property Management Saves You Time and Money
Property management services save investors valuable time by handling daily rental operations such as tenant acquisition, maintenance, and administrative tasks. Their expertise creates a streamlined system that frees owners to focus on growth or other pursuits. These firms also help reduce long-term costs through market knowledge, supplier discounts, and preventive maintenance that avoids expensive repairs.
They support strong financial performance with organized tracking of income, expenses, and profitability, making accounting and tax preparation easier. Their skill in budgeting and forecasting helps protect returns and keep investments on track, giving owners more flexibility while maintaining strong rental performance.
Attracting and Retaining Tenants with Expert Property Management Services
Property management companies play a vital role in attracting and keeping reliable tenants by using strong marketing tactics and thorough screening. Their tenant retention efforts, consistent communication, quick responses, and a respectful environment help reduce turnover and encourage long-term leases. Tenants feel more secure knowing they have a dependable point of contact for issues, which boosts satisfaction and stability.
Skilled managers also handle lease renewals and negotiations to maintain favorable terms. With deep awareness of tenant preferences and local market trends, they guide owners in adding desirable amenities that elevate a property’s appeal within West Palm Beach’s competitive rental market.
Navigating West Palm Beach’s Real Estate Legal Landscape with a Property Management Partner
Navigating property law and evolving regulations can be challenging for property owners, making legal compliance a complex task. Property management companies provide expertise in staying current with local, state, and federal laws, helping landlords avoid costly mistakes. They serve as advocates during tenant disputes or legal conflicts, managing issues professionally and, if needed, representing owners in court or negotiations.
These companies also draft and enforce comprehensive lease agreements, minimizing misunderstandings and fostering smooth landlord-tenant relationships. By implementing fair policies and rigorous safety measures, property managers reduce the risk of discrimination claims, safety violations, and other legal repercussions, ensuring both tenant protection and the long-term success of the property.
Altogether, engaging the services of a professional property management company in West Palm Beach is a shrewd investment in real estate success. Property owners benefit from the expertise that not only safeguards but also magnifies the potential of their assets, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of investment with minimal hassle.
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