The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has advocated converting plastic waste into affordable housing materials and other economic resources through circular economy practices.
Its National President, Dr Olugbenga Adebola, made the call at the Centre for Housing and Environmental Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state, during activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day.
Adebola said Nigeria could address both waste management and housing challenges by transforming plastic waste into valuable construction materials.
He described waste as a resource that could generate jobs, wealth and environmental sustainability when properly managed.
“Waste is not a waste until it is wasted. We do not have a waste problem; we have a resource misplaced in the wrong place,” he said.
Adebola urged Nigerians to embrace waste segregation at source and discourage indiscriminate disposal of refuse.
According to him, waste can be grouped into recyclables, combustibles and compostable.
He said recyclable materials, including plastics, paper, glass, aluminum and textiles, could be processed into new products.
The AWAMN president identified plastic pollution as a major environmental challenge, especially in urban centres.
He noted that plastic waste often blocks drainage channels and waterways, contributing to flooding and environmental degradation.
Adebola said efficient waste management would support environmental sustainability, public health and climate resilience.
He described proper waste collection and recycling as preventive healthcare capable of reducing sanitation-related diseases.
According to him, blocked drains create mosquito breeding sites, while unmanaged waste attracts rodents and disease-causing organisms.
“Effective and efficient waste management is free healthcare service because it prevents diseases before they occur,” he said.
Adebola said plastic waste could also be converted into biofuels and other alternative energy products.
He noted that Nigeria generates more than 60,000 tonnes of waste daily, with plastics accounting for a significant share.
The AWAMN president showcased prototype structures built from recycled plastics and described them as durable and environmentally friendly.
He explained that recycled plastics could be processed through thermoplastic technology or cement-based composite systems.
According to him, thermoplastic materials can contain up to 70 per cent recycled plastic mixed with sand.
Adebola said wider adoption of recycled construction materials would help reduce pollution and address Nigeria’s housing deficit.
He commended Covenant University for promoting innovative solutions linking housing development with environmental sustainability.
The AWAMN president said Nigeria already had policy frameworks supporting sustainable waste management and circular economy practices.
He listed them as the National Environmental Policy on Solid Waste Management, the Extended Producer Responsibility framework and the Nigerian Circular Economy Roadmap.
Adebola, however, expressed concern over weak implementation of existing policies.
“Nigeria has many good policies, but implementation remains a challenge,” he said.
He called for stronger enforcement, improved standards and updated building regulations to support recycled materials in construction.
Adebola also advocated increased investment in recycling infrastructure and processing facilities.
According to him, plastic recycling remains capital-intensive due to transportation and logistics costs.
He urged the government to provide incentives for recycling companies and developers investing in sustainable housing.
The AWAMN president also advocated policies encouraging green buildings and circular housing systems.
He suggested mandating the use of recycled materials in selected housing and infrastructure projects.
Adebola urged private developers to collaborate with waste collectors and recyclers in producing building components.
He disclosed that AWAMN had partnered with the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre on recycling and waste management training programmes.
According to him, the initiative equips retiring military personnel with skills in environmental entrepreneurship.
Adebola challenged universities and research institutions to intensify studies on recycled construction materials.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration among researchers, industry operators and policymakers.
According to him, Nigeria must bridge the gap between academic research and practical implementation.
The AWAMN president also advocated environmental education to promote responsible waste management among young people.
He proposed a long-term national vision centred on sustainable housing and circular economic development.
According to him, increased recycling could reduce pollution, create jobs and improve access to affordable housing.
Adebola projected that millions of jobs could emerge across waste collection, recycling, manufacturing and construction sectors.
He said Nigeria had the potential to become a leading African model in integrating waste management with housing development.
“The time to transition from conventional housing to modular sustainable housing is now. Let us turn plastic waste into plastic purposes,” he said.
The AWAMN president cited international examples of products made from recycled materials to demonstrate recycling’s economic value.
He urged governments, businesses, researchers and citizens to collaborate in building a circular economy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the presentation of an environmental stewardship award to Adebola. (NAN)
