Delivered in partnership with the Nasarawa State Waste Management Authority (NASWAMSA), the hub marks a significant step in scaling practical, community-driven sustainability solutions across the country.

The Sahara Go Recycling Initiative converts waste management into opportunity, helping divert recyclables from landfills, improve environmental awareness, and create income pathways for households.

The Masaka hub deepens that impact while reflecting the Sahara Beyond XXX vision of building sustainable ecosystems that deliver long-term value for people, communities, and the planet.Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, said the launch underscores the Foundation’s focus on scalable solutions that combine environmental stewardship with community empowerment.

“Masaka represents an important next step in expanding access to sustainable waste management across Nigeria,” she said.“Through the Sahara Go Recycling, we are showing how collaboration can unlock cleaner communities, stronger livelihoods, and shared prosperity. This is the kind of practical, inclusive impact that Sahara Beyond XXX stands for, creating sustainable value at scale through EXTRApreneurship.”

The landmark commissioning ceremony was attended by representatives of Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation, leadership from the Nasarawa State Waste Management Authority (NASWAMSA), local council representatives, community leaders, partners, volunteers, and residents, highlighting strong stakeholder collaboration and community support for the initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ishaku Ibrahim, Director of Waste Management, Nasarawa State Waste Management Authority (NASWAMSA), described the initiative as a timely partnership that strengthens responsible waste management while opening socio-economic opportunities for residents.“

This hub brings a practical solution to waste challenges in Masaka and surrounding communities,” he said.

“Beyond improving environmental outcomes, it creates a pathway for residents to participate in a cleaner future while deriving economic value from recyclable materials. We are proud to partner Sahara Group Foundation on this important step for Nasarawa State.”

Menakaya added that Sahara Go Recycling continues to demonstrate how collective action can build cleaner, more resilient communities through innovation, collaboration, and local participation.

Since launch, Sahara Go Recycling has delivered measurable social, economic, and environmental impact.

The initiative has supported the recycling of more than 1,000 tonnes of materials and directly and indirectly impacted over 2,000 livelihoods across collection, sorting, logistics, and community enterprise value chains.

By turning waste into opportunity, the programme is helping reshape attitudes to recycling while advancing more sustainable lifestyles in underserved communities.

Sahara Group Foundation expand Sahara Go Recycling across Nigeria, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission of building sustainable communities through EXTRApreneurship.

More details about Sahara Go Recycling Initiative and other Sahara Group Foundation programmes can be found here.

The new hub, strategically located in Lekki, expands the Foundation’s recycling footprint and builds on the success of 15 existing hubs across Lagos.

Notably, it is the first Sahara Go-Recycling Hub to feature a solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), a significant step toward integrating clean energy and technology into community recycling solutions.

The Sahara Go-Recycling initiative promotes a circular economy by reducing waste, enhancing resource recovery, and empowering residents with opportunities to earn income from recyclables.

Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, director, Sahara Group Foundation, said:

“The launch of the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub goes beyond environmental responsibility, it represents a new path for innovation, economic opportunity, and community resilience. By integrating clean energy solutions like the solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine, we are demonstrating how innovation can strengthen environmental responsibility while improving quality of life. This hub is a testament to what is possible when we combine commitment with action, and it sets the stage for even greater impact across the communities we serve.”

The event was attended by Executive Director of Sahara Group, Director, Downstream Africa, Sahara Group, Sahara Group Foundation Board Trustees, Asharami Synergy Management team, executives and representatives of Sahara Group, Asharami Synergy, Egbin Power Plc, as well as other dignitaries, traditional leaders and community members.

Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka, executive director Sahara Group, remarked,

“The success of the Lekki Sahara Go-Recycling Hub is a powerful reminder that sustainable change happens when communities, technology, and purpose come together. This hub is not just collecting recyclables, it is inspiring new habits, creating economic value, and proving that cleaner, greener cities are possible when we all play our part. We are proud of what this hub represents and even more excited about the impact it will continue to make across Lagos and beyond.”

Dr Anthony Youdeowei, Board Trustee, Sahara Group Foundation and MD Sahara Power Group, commended the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation, Asharami Synergy, the Sahara Group 2025 Graduate Management Trainees, and Eco Barter, describing the hub as reflective of our belief that sustainability must be practical, accessible, and community driven.

Representing the 2025 Sahara Group Graduate Management Trainees, Elushade Oluwatumininu stated that, " As Graduate Management Trainees, being part of the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub project through our PSCR project has been a meaningful way to live out Sahara’s sustainability values. Seeing the hub’s impact from promoting recycling habits to empowering the community, reinforces how small actions can drive real change. We’re proud to be part of this initiative.”

Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 650 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding ₦55 million to beneficiaries.

The program has positively impacted more than 1200 households, creating alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, and reinforcing environmental sustainability.

Rita Idehai, CEO Eco Barter, added:

“Our partnership with the Sahara Group Foundation on the Lekki Go-Recycling Hub demonstrates the power of collaboration in accelerating sustainable change. Together, we are creating a system that rewards responsible disposal, supports local livelihoods, and brings technology-driven recycling closer to the community. We are proud to work with a partner that shares our vision for a cleaner, smarter, and more circular future for Lagos.”

Reiterating Sahara Group Foundation’s vision, Chidilim Menakaya added,

“The Sahara Go Recycling project is creating a ripple effect across Lagos, enabling households and communities to see value in responsible waste management. Through strategic partnerships, we are amplifying impact and building sustainable ecosystems for future generations.”

“At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship, building sustainable ecosystems through collaborations that inspire change. With Ijede now part of our network, we are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” she concluded.

Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go Recycling Initiative to more communities in Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its mission of “Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.”