Sahara Group Foundation Inaugurates 17th Sahara Go Recycling Hub In Ibeju-Lekki

Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact arm of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 17th Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment across Nigeria.

The Sahara Go Recycling Initiative promotes 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 across Lagos, extending access to structured, community-led recycling solutions in emerging urban communities.

Strategically located within Ibeju-Lekki, the hub is designed to encourage 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), underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to integrating clean energy and innovation into grassroots sustainability initiatives.

The RVM allows residents to conveniently deposit recyclable materials and receive instant rewards, reinforcing positive environmental behaviour.

Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, director, Sahara Group Foundation, said the initiative reflects the Foundation’s focus on practical, people-centred solutions.

“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 commissioning 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 of Ibeju-Lekki, reflecting strong local engagement and shared ownership of the initiative.

Speaking at the event, the executive chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Olowa Abdullahi Sesan, emphasised the significance of the Sahara Go Recycling Hub to residents of Ibeju-Lekki, particularly given its strategic location within the community.

He 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 within the community.

The vice chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Isiaka Yusuf Olatunji, encouraged residents to actively participate in the programme, emphasizing the importance of responsible waste practices to ensure long-term community benefits.

Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 660 tonnes of recyclable waste, facilitated more than ₦93 million in payouts, and positively impacted over 1,700 households by creating alternative income streams across Lagos.

Also speaking at the event, the CEO of Ecobarter, Rita Idehai, said: “Our collaboration with Sahara Group Foundation in Ibeju-Lekki highlights the power of partnerships in delivering scalable, community-focused recycling solutions.

Together, we are encouraging responsible waste practices while ensuring that communities directly benefit from sustainability initiatives.”

Reiterating the Foundation’s long-term vision, Menakaya added:

“Sahara Go Recycling is creating a ripple effect across Lagos by changing perceptions around waste and demonstrating its economic value.