Recycled plastic reduced dependency on imports of raw materials from other countries. Recycling helps create a cleaner environment, by keeping tons of plastic out of the waste stream and stopping plastics polluting the ocean. It also improves aesthetics which will promote tourism and foreign direct investment.

Investments could reduce waste and pollution, facilitate an improved circular economy approach, increasing savings on energy and prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

Without proper filtration, many harmful compounds may be released into the atmosphere. Abandoned dump sites can severely damage the surrounding environment.

Harmful chemicals can leach into water and soil, causing water and soil pollution. When mixed with rainwater, a poisonous mixture (leachate) is formed, which is highly dangerous for water supplies.(15)

The bleaching process uses harsh chemicals that can cause health problems on exposure if proper measures are not taken.(15)

Efficiency risk given the heavy involvement of public bodies (with higher costs) in the waste management sector

Execution risk if activities are not delivered as planned and do not result in the desired outcomes

Unexpected impact risk given recovery and recycling facilities may generate negative environmental impact if not handled properly

Mitigate against the negative environmental effects of waste and recover energy sources.

National Policy on Plastic Lifecycle Management: The Federal government has implemented the National Policy on Plastic Lifecycle Management to drive resource efficiency, cleaner production and protection of the environment as stated in section 20 of the 1999 Constitution.

Basel Convention: This convention aims to reduce hazardous waste generation and promote environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes. It establishes a regulatory system for cases where cross-border movements are allowed.(16)

Montreal Protocol: This protocol establishes provisions for consumption and production of almost 100 chemicals causing ozone depletion.(17)

The Federal government invests in different types of projects, including plastic recycling plants in 26 cities in Nigeria, material recovery baling centers, transfer loading stations and briquetting plants.(18)

At the municipal level, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) launched a private sector participation programme for waste management, awarding commercial players annually extendable concessions on waste collection in designated territories.(18)

Financial incentives: The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act incentivizes investment in waste management by granting the 'unconditional transferability' of profits, dividends and proceeds from sale of assets through authorized dealer banks.(23)

National Policy on the Environment 1999 (Sub section 6.1, Section 6.0: This policy relates to issues regarding climate change. It indicates the government's strategy towards preventing climate change.(19)

National Environmental (Sanitation and Wastes Control) Regulations S. I. No. 28 of 2009: These regulations establish a legal framework for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in environmental sanitation and waste management to minimize pollution.(20)

National Policy on Municipal and Agricultural Waste Management 2012: This policy governs generation and sorting, storage, collection, transportation, resource recovery, treatment/disposal, and minimization of the release of organic pollutants.(21)

National Policy on Solid Waste Management 2018: This policy provides a framework for integrating efforts between public actors, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in waste management.(22)

National Policy on Plastic Life Cycle Management (Draft) 2019: This draft policy establishes a framework to enhance resource efficiency, cleaner production and protection of the environment.(18) National Policy on Chemical Management 2010

Lexsz Plastics Limited, WeCyclers, CocaCola, OkwuEco

Federal government, State government - Lagos State Waste Management Authority

Large cities such as Lagos have the largest populations, a significant proportion of whom are unskilled and live in poverty in concentrated areas. These people cold become waste collectors who could cooperate with the recycling plant. Lagos has a relatively developed road infrastructure, allowing the transport of recyclables. The capital generates the highest quantities of waste and is therefore a very convenient destination for a recycling facility. There also exist opportunities to cooperate with local businesses that sort waste across Lagos.(24)