On Monday, March 30, 2026, Nigeria marked a major milestone in its sustainability journey with the launch of its first centralized waste management directory. Unveiled at the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja before a distinguished multinational audience, including four foreign ambassadors, the Nigerian Waste Management Directory (NIWAD) introduces a practical, technology-driven solution to one of the country’s most persistent environmental challenges.
Developed by environmental sustainability organization Plogging Nigeria, NIWAD is designed to bridge a long-standing gap in the sector: the disconnect between waste generators and waste managers. By providing a centralized, digital platform, the directory enables everyday Nigerians, businesses, and institutions to easily locate and connect with recycling, upcycling, and waste disposal service providers across the country.
In her opening remarks at the unveiling ceremony for NIWAD, Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, described NIWAD as “an important milestone” in Nigeria’s development. She highlighted its potential to “strengthen transparency, support better decision-making, and unlock the economic potential of the circular economy,” while reaffirming Sweden’s commitment to continued collaboration on sustainability initiatives.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Executive Director of Plogging Nigeria, Mayokun Iyaomolere, emphasized that the platform was built to remain free and accessible, ensuring that individuals and organizations can easily adopt responsible waste practices. He described NIWAD as “a one-stop shop to connect with recycling, upcycling, and waste management service providers in Nigeria,” addressing both sides of the ecosystem, those seeking waste solutions and those providing them.
Beyond its immediate functionality, he underscored NIWAD’s broader strategic value as a data infrastructure tool. According to him, the platform will aggregate critical data on waste management activities across Nigeria, enabling more informed decision-making, strengthening policy development, and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and investment within the sector.
The event featured a panel discussion with key industry stakeholders where panelists highlighted the platform’s potential to address data gaps and improve coordination across the waste value chain. Notably, discussions emphasized the strong link between effective waste management and climate action, as well as the importance of accessible data in driving sustainable outcomes.
The launch also drew participation from ambassadors of Norway, Brazil, and Finland, alongside representatives from government agencies, private sector organizations, and sustainability-focused groups. The breadth of attendance highlighted the growing recognition of waste management as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s environmental and economic future.
Looking ahead, Plogging Nigeria outlined plans to expand the platform into NIWAD 2.0, which will introduce a mobile application, deepen nationwide data collection, and integrate informal waste sector actors into the system. This next phase aims to transform NIWAD from a directory into a comprehensive national waste intelligence platform, supporting policy, investment, and large-scale environmental impact.
For Plogging Nigeria, NIWAD represents its most ambitious initiative yet. More than just a digital tool, it signals a shift toward a more connected, data-driven, and inclusive approach to waste management in Nigeria.
With NIWAD now live via niwad.ng, the focus turns to scaling its reach and impact, potentially reshaping how waste is managed, valued, and understood across the country.
About the Author
