The Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact arm of Sahara Group, has inaugurated its 17th Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, reinforcing its commitment to community empowerment, sustainable waste management, and environmental protection across Nigeria.
The Sahara Go Recycling Initiative is designed to promote a circular economy by diverting recyclable waste from landfills, improving resource recovery, and creating income opportunities for households through waste-to-wealth interventions. The newly commissioned hub expands the Foundation’s growing recycling footprint in Lagos, giving residents in emerging urban communities access to structured, community-led recycling solutions.
Strategically located within Ibeju-Lekki, the hub encourages responsible waste disposal while enabling residents to earn value from recyclable materials. Notably, it is the second Sahara Go Recycling Hub to feature a solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), highlighting the Foundation’s focus on integrating innovation and clean energy into grassroots sustainability initiatives. The RVM allows residents to deposit recyclable materials conveniently and receive instant rewards, reinforcing positive environmental behavior and income generation.
Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, Director of Sahara Group Foundation, said, “The Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki is more than a recycling point; it is a platform for dignity, livelihoods, and environmental responsibility. By bringing structured recycling closer to communities, we are empowering residents to participate meaningfully in protecting their environment while creating economic value.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation, the Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, community leaders, partners, and residents, reflecting strong local engagement and shared ownership of the initiative.
Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Mr. Olowa Abdullahi Sesan, described the hub as timely and impactful, noting its alignment with the local government’s sustainability and development priorities. He highlighted the initiative’s role in transforming waste into resources, reducing environmental impact, supporting climate action, and creating livelihood opportunities for residents.
Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 660 tonnes of recyclable waste, facilitated more than N93 million in payouts, and positively impacted over 1,700 households, creating alternative income streams across Lagos.
Rita Idehai, CEO of Ecobarter, which collaborates with Sahara Group Foundation, said, “Our partnership in Ibeju-Lekki demonstrates the power of joint initiatives in delivering scalable, community-focused recycling solutions. Together, we are encouraging responsible waste practices while ensuring communities directly benefit from sustainability interventions.”
Menakaya reiterated the Foundation’s long-term vision: “Sahara Go Recycling is creating a ripple effect across Lagos by changing perceptions around waste and demonstrating its economic value. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we are building sustainable ecosystems that will benefit present and future generations.”
The Sahara Group Foundation plans to continue expanding the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative across Lagos and beyond, furthering its mission of Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship, while empowering more residents with green jobs and income opportunities.
