The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has announced plans to generate five million additional jobs in the scrap and waste sector by the end of 2025. This bold target builds on the association’s previous milestone of creating 10 million jobs across the country, bringing its total job creation goal to 15 million.
This was revealed by the association’s Founding Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, during the inauguration of NASWDEN’s Caretaker Committee in Abuja. He said the association continues to educate its members on their responsibilities as employers and contributors to Nigeria’s economic development.
He stressed that NASWDEN does not tolerate vandalism. “Our members are law-abiding citizens. Any member found engaging in vandalism is dealt with by the disciplinary committee,” he said, reaffirming the association’s stance on ethical practices in the waste and scrap value chain.
The newly inaugurated Caretaker Committee is expected to steer the association toward its upcoming delegate conference scheduled for later in the year.
Also speaking at the event, the association’s Deputy BOT Chairman reiterated that NASWDEN members are focused on collecting and supplying scrap to legitimate recycling firms, particularly those processing iron rods and steel materials. He insisted the association has no ties to vandalism and instead plays a key role in job creation and economic growth.
The Secretary to the Founding Fathers of the association appreciated the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity for its role in stabilising NASWDEN through regulatory support and collaboration.
Chairman of the new committee, Uko Iwaudofia, said his focus would be on sanitising the scrap and waste sector. “This is a multi-billion-naira industry, and it contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy. We are the main suppliers to all the rolling mills, especially in Lagos, Kano, and Ikorodu,” he said.
The scrap and waste sector in Nigeria has emerged as a vital component of the country’s informal economy, supporting recycling industries and reducing dependence on imported steel materials. It feeds directly into a growing local value chain, especially for rolling mills and steel production firms.
NASWDEN also works closely with the Federal Ministry of Labour and other stakeholders to push for improved policies and frameworks around recycling, waste management, and job creation. The association’s job expansion plan is expected to benefit thousands of households while strengthening Nigeria’s circular economy.
