Sahara Group Foundation expands recycling, unlocks opportunities in Jigawa, Kaduna
As Nigeria continues to grapple with growing volumes of waste, inadequate disposal infrastructure, and the environmental and public health risks associated with indiscriminate dumping, initiatives that promote recycling and circular economy solutions are becoming increasingly critical. With rapid urbanisation and population growth placing greater pressure on existing waste management systems, experts have consistently called for stronger community-driven interventions that transform waste from an environmental burden into an economic resource.
Against this backdrop, Sahara Group Foundation has commissioned two new Sahara Go Recycling Hubs in Jigawa and Kaduna States, extending structured waste management and economic opportunities to communities in Northern Nigeria.
The hubs, located at Gidan Hakimi in Shuwarin Local Government Area of Jigawa State and Asharami Retail Station, Badiko, Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are the Foundation’s 21st and 22nd recycling hubs nationwide and its second and third in Northern Nigeria. They were commissioned on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, 2026, respectively.
The Jigawa hub was delivered by Sahara Group Foundation with the support of the King’s Council, Shuwarin, while the Kaduna hub was established in collaboration with sister company, Asharami Synergy.
The initiative, which converts recyclable waste into income-generating opportunities for households, aligns with Sahara Group’s Beyond XXX sustainability vision of creating shared prosperity through environmentally responsible and community-led development.
Director of Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, said the expansion reflects the Foundation’s determination to deepen access to practical sustainability solutions by working closely with local institutions and strategic partners.
“By partnering with institutions and sister companies that understand local needs and realities, we are building a recycling ecosystem that communities can own, sustain, and benefit from over the long term,” she said.
She noted that beyond improving environmental sanitation, the recycling hubs are designed to stimulate local economies by creating livelihood opportunities, encouraging responsible waste disposal, and fostering a culture of recycling in communities where formal waste collection systems remain limited.
The commissioning ceremonies attracted key government officials, traditional institutions and community stakeholders, including members of the King’s Council; the Commissioner for Environment, Jigawa State, Dr. Nura I. Doka; the Chairman of Shuwarin Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulhamid Ibrahim Balago, and his Vice Chairman; community leaders and residents in Jigawa, as well as the leadership of Asharami Synergy and the Filling Station Manager in Kaduna.
Speaking during the commissioning in Jigawa, Alhaji Bashir Abdullahi, Sarkin Gabas and Hakimin Shuwarin, described the recycling hub as a timely intervention that addresses a longstanding environmental challenge in the community.
“For years, our people have had no organised way to deal with waste beyond burning or dumping it by the roadside,” he said. “This hub gives our young people and our women a way to earn from something that used to just pollute our surroundings.”
He added that the initiative would help improve environmental cleanliness while creating sustainable income opportunities for households.
At the Kaduna commissioning, Filling Station Manager of Asharami Retail Station, Badiko, Aliyu Abdullahi Mabai, said hosting the recycling hub reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.
“We are glad to host this recycling hub on our premises,” he said. “It gives our customers and neighbours a simple way to recycle, and fits with what Asharami Synergy stands for as a responsible business.”
The Foundation also disclosed plans to commission another recycling hub in Kano State in the coming weeks, following a recent engagement with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who expressed strong interest in supporting the initiative.
Since its launch, Sahara Go Recycling has facilitated the recycling of more than 1,000 tonnes of recyclable materials while directly and indirectly impacting over 2,000 livelihoods across Nigeria.
The Foundation believes expanding access to community recycling infrastructure will not only reduce environmental pollution but also contribute to building a circular economy where waste becomes a valuable resource, helping communities generate income, improve sanitation and support Nigeria’s broader sustainable development agenda.
