The Sahara Group Foundation, the social impact arm of energy and infrastructure conglomerate Sahara Group, has expanded its environmental sustainability footprint with the commissioning of its 18th and 19th Sahara Go Recycling Hubs in Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State.
The dual commissioning, carried out on the same day, underscores the Foundation’s accelerated push to deepen community-based waste management, circular economy adoption, and waste-to-wealth opportunities across urban communities in Nigeria.
With the addition of the two new facilities, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative now operates at least 19 functional recycling hubs, strengthening access to structured waste collection systems within residential communities in Lagos.
The initiative is designed to divert recyclable waste from landfills, improve resource recovery rates, and create income-generating opportunities for households through organized recycling value chains.
According to the Foundation, more than 1,000 tonnes of recyclable materials have already been processed through the initiative since its inception, while over 2,000 direct and indirect livelihoods have been impacted through waste collection, sorting, logistics, and community-based recycling enterprises.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, described the expansion as a strategic reinforcement of the Foundation’s long-term sustainability agenda focused on community ownership and environmental responsibility.
“The commissioning of these Sahara Go Recycling Hubs in Ojodu reflects our commitment to creating sustainable ecosystems that empower communities,” Menakaya said.
She explained that the initiative is not only about waste management but also about integrating economic empowerment into environmental action.
“By bringing structured recycling solutions closer to residents, we are promoting environmental responsibility while enabling households to derive economic value from recycling activities,” she added.
Menakaya further emphasized that the initiative reflects Sahara Group Foundation’s EXTRApreneurship model, which links environmental sustainability with livelihood creation.
“Beyond waste management, this initiative demonstrates how collaborative action can unlock livelihoods, strengthen local resilience, and contribute to building sustainable societies through EXTRApreneurship,” she noted.
The commissioning event was attended by representatives of Sahara Group Foundation, officials of Ojodu LCDA, community leaders, volunteers, partners, and residents, reflecting strong multi-stakeholder engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, David Olusegun Odunmbaku, Chief of Staff Olaide Bello commended Sahara Group Foundation for its sustained investment in environmental sustainability and community development.
“This Recycling Hub is both timely and impactful for the people of Ojodu LCDA, particularly because of its strategic location within the community,” Bello said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the council’s sustainability priorities by converting waste into valuable resources while supporting climate action and job creation.
“The initiative aligns strongly with our sustainability and development priorities by transforming waste into valuable resources, reducing environmental impact, supporting climate action, and creating livelihood opportunities for residents,” he added.
The Sahara Go Recycling Initiative continues to position itself as a key driver of circular economy adoption in Nigeria’s urban waste management sector, particularly in Lagos State, where population density and consumption patterns have intensified waste generation challenges.
By promoting structured recycling systems within communities, the initiative is helping to:
- Reduce landfill dependency
- Increase recycling participation rates
- Strengthen environmental awareness
- Improve household income diversification
- Measurable Impact Across Communities
Since inception, the initiative has recorded measurable environmental and socio-economic outcomes, including:
- Over 1,000 tonnes of recyclable waste processed
- More than 2,000 livelihoods impacted directly and indirectly
- Expansion of structured recycling access across multiple Lagos communities
- Increased community participation in waste segregation and recycling activities
- Expansion Strategy Beyond Lagos
Reaffirming the Foundation’s long-term vision, Menakaya stated that Sahara Group Foundation will continue to scale the initiative beyond Lagos State in line with its mission to build sustainable communities through environmental innovation and inclusive development.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and community participation, we are driving long-term environmental impact while improving livelihoods and strengthening community ownership of sustainable practices,” she said.
