Mohammed: Redefining Sustainability Through Innovation

Amidu Mohammed, founder of Plastibuild Creative Solutions, is redefining sustainability through innovation. His climate-conscious social enterprise transforms waste materials such as scrap tyres, fabric waste, plastic, and electronic waste into functional products, including smart green footwear, eco-friendly furniture, eco-bricks, interior décor, and sustainable fashion items.

Mohammed’s journey into waste management began during his bachelor’s studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto. Growing up in a local community in Lagos, he witnessed the severe effects of environmental degradation—drainages clogged with scrap tyres and plastic waste, streets flooded during heavy rains, and rising air pollution from the burning of waste. These hazardous conditions led to respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, particularly affecting children and the elderly.

“I wanted to make a difference. Instead of viewing waste as a burden, I saw it as an opportunity—one that could not only help clean up the environment but also provide economic empowerment to the community,” he said.

Determined to make a difference, Mohammed started working with community members, encouraging them to collect and deliver waste in exchange for stipends. This initiative not only provided locals with a stable source of income but also reduced the need to burn waste, ensuring discarded materials were repurposed into valuable products.

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While the business has proven financially rewarding, Mohammed warns against venturing into waste recycling purely for profit. “If driven solely by money, you’ll likely switch to another, more lucrative business before long. Instead, identifying opportunities and aiming to solve problems ensures consistency and passion in this work,” he advised.

That said, the industry does offer substantial profit margins, sometimes reaching 50 per cent or higher. “On a sincere note, this business is indeed lucrative. I’ve earned even more than that,” he added.

Challenges

Despite his success, Mohammed’s path was not without obstacles. One of his biggest challenges was stigmatisation. “After graduating as one of the best students in my department, I declined a lecturing job at a federal university to focus on waste recycling. My parents were baffled, and my community questioned my decision, perceiving it as odd for a university graduate to take up work involving waste collection. Even my girlfriend left me, believing my work was ‘dirty?’ Nevertheless, my passion kept me determined to pursue this path,” he stressed.

Beyond societal perceptions, funding remains a major challenge. Investors often view waste management start-ups as less profitable than industries like technology, making it difficult to secure financial backing. However, resilience has kept us going, he said.

Advice

For those looking to enter the industry, passion is key, Mohammed emphasises. “If you are driven purely by profit, you will likely give up quickly. Identify a problem, find an innovative solution, and remain consistent,” he advised.

To gain expertise, he recommends taking online courses and joining industry networks such as the Waste Management Society of Nigeria, the Economy Business Network, and the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership.

“Continuous learning is essential. Never stop expanding your knowledge. The green economy operates differently from the traditional economy, and understanding these unique aspects is critical to success,” he notes.

Biography

Amidu Mohammed is a Nigerian waste management professional and sustainability expert, leading Plastibuild Creative Solutions Ltd as its founder and CEO. Holding a background in Environmental Chemistry from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, he later furthered his studies at the University of Oxford and the Nigerian Climate Innovation Centre, earning certifications in Green Business Management and Climate Entrepreneurship.

Mohammed has collaborated with institutions like Yaba College of Technology, the University of Lagos, and several global organisations on sustainable initiatives. His work focuses on circular product design, transforming waste into functional solutions to drive environmental and economic change.