The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has called upon stakeholders across the waste management value chain to embrace the principles of the circular economy as a pathway to achieving sustainability and economic growth. This appeal was made by the National President of AWAMN, Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, during the association’s 2025 International Conference, Exhibition, Awards, and Gala Night, held in Lagos. The theme of the conference, “Redefining Integrated Waste Management in Nigeria Through Circular Economy,” underscores the critical need to rethink waste management strategies for a greener and more prosperous future.
A Transformative Vision for Nigeria’s Waste Sector
Speaking at the event, Mr. Adebola emphasized that the conference serves as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s sustainability journey.
“Today, we stand at the threshold of transformation—a moment where ideas, collaborations, and commitments will redefine integrated waste management through the circular economy for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Nigeria,” he stated.
The AWAMN President highlighted that the association is not merely a group of industry professionals but a movement dedicated to capacity development, innovation, and sustainable economic transformation. The gathering of policymakers, waste management experts, and international partners signifies a collective effort to change the perception of waste—transforming it from an environmental burden into an opportunity for wealth creation, resource efficiency, and economic advancement.
The Role of AWAMN in Driving Sustainability
Adebola noted that AWAMN has steadily expanded its influence and impact in shaping Nigeria’s sustainability agenda. Over the years, the association has provided training, support, and empowerment to thousands of waste managers, ensuring the viability of their businesses while promoting environmental conservation. The conference serves as a testament to AWAMN’s leadership in waste management and its commitment to fostering partnerships that will solidify Nigeria’s position as a sustainability-driven nation.
“This conference is not just about discussions but about actionable solutions to the challenges facing the waste management industry,” he said. “As we engage in thought-provoking conversations, showcase cutting-edge innovations, and celebrate sustainability champions, we must commit to working together, investing in solutions, and taking decisive actions that will redefine Nigeria’s waste management sector.”
Understanding the Circular Economy and Its Relevance to Waste Management
Adebola elaborated on the broader implications of the circular economy, explaining that it is not limited to waste management alone but is an overarching economic system designed to optimize resource use, minimize environmental impact, and create sustainable business models.
“The circular economy is an economic system of exchange and production that spans all stages of a product’s lifecycle—ranging from design and manufacturing to consumption and disposal—aimed at increasing efficiency in resource use while reducing environmental degradation,” he explained.
He identified seven key operational fields within the circular economy:
- Eco-design: designing products with sustainability and longevity in mind.
- Industrial and territorial ecology: encouraging businesses and communities to collaborate on resource sharing and waste reduction.
- Functional Economy: Prioritizing access over ownership, such as rental models, over outright purchases.
- Sustainable Consumption: Promoting responsible purchasing habits and reducing waste.
- Extension in the Length of Product Use: Encouraging reuse, repair, and refurbishment.
- Recycling: recovering valuable materials to be reintroduced into the production cycle.
- Sustainable Supply: Sourcing raw materials responsibly to reduce ecological footprints.
Nigeria’s Transition from a Linear to a Circular Economy
Adebola described Nigeria’s transition from a linear economy, where waste was simply collected and dumped, to a recycling economy, where valuable materials are recovered and repurposed. The ultimate goal, he emphasized, is to establish a full circular economy where waste is viewed as a valuable resource that can be reintegrated into production cycles.
“Our gathering here today is part of a much bigger mission—the sustainable transformation of the Nigerian economy. We are transitioning from a linear economy, where waste was simply collected and dumped, causing pollution and environmental degradation. We evolved into a recycling economy, where valuable materials were recovered and repurposed, reducing our environmental footprint. Now, Nigeria is moving towards a full circular economy, where waste is no longer waste, but a resource that can be reintegrated into production cycles, creating jobs, stimulating innovation, and driving sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He further noted that this transition represents not just an industry shift but a national economic transformation, positioning Nigeria as a leader in circular economy practices across Africa.
AWAMN’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future
As a key industry player, AWAMN is committed to supporting this national transformation through advocacy, investment, and capacity development. Adebola reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that the association, alongside other ecosystem players, remains at the forefront of this shift.
“My role, as President of AWAMN, is to ensure that our association, together with other ecosystem players, remains at the forefront of this transition. Over the years, I have been privileged to be actively involved in policy dialogues, investment facilitation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that align with this sustainability mission. This conference is a direct fulfillment of one of my administration’s core campaign promises—capacity development,” he stated.
Adebola emphasized that the conference represents a turning point for AWAMN, proving that it is not just an industry body but a collective of thought leaders, policymakers, and sustainability champions.
“For the waste management sector, this conference presents opportunities to access green funding for sustainability projects, learn about cutting-edge waste management technologies and strategies, build relationships with international experts and investors, and enhance collaboration between government, private sector, and communities,” he explained. Through this platform, AWAMN aims to lay the groundwork for Nigeria to become a continental leader in circular economy practices, transforming waste into wealth and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth.
Recognizing Champions of Sustainability
Adebola expressed deep appreciation for Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and social development. Her commitment to waste management reform, community engagement, and resource efficiency has earned her the title of Grand Patron of AWAMN, a historic investiture recognizing her invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s sustainability journey.
“Her passion for waste management reform, community engagement, and resource efficiency has made her a heroine of the environment, and tonight, we honor her with a historic investiture as the Grand Patron of AWAMN,” Adebola said.
Conclusion
The AWAMN 2025 conference underscores the urgent need for a circular economy in Nigeria’s waste management sector. By rethinking waste as a resource, embracing sustainability principles, and fostering collaborations between key stakeholders, Nigeria is positioning itself for a future where economic prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. With AWAMN leading the charge, the nation stands at the cusp of a revolutionary shift towards a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable economy.
Cite this article as (APA format):
AR Managing Editor (2025). Nigeria Embraces Circular Economy: AWAMN Leads Sustainable Waste Management Revolution. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/nigeria-embraces-circular-economy-awamn-leads-sustainable-waste-management-revolution/
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
