The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has announced plans to create an additional five million jobs in the recycling sector by the end of the year, reinforcing its role in Nigeria's informal economy and industrial supply chain.
Speaking at the inauguration of NASWDEN's Caretaker Committee in Abuja, the association's Founding Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Alhaji Suleiman Lateef, revealed that the industry has already generated over 10 million jobs nationwide. "We aim to reach 15 million before the end of 2025," he said.
NASWDEN, which supplies scrap materials to rolling mills and steel manufacturers across the country, reiterated its commitment to lawful operations. Lateef emphasized that the association maintains ethical standards and sanctions members found to be involved in malpractice or vandalism.
Deputy BOT Chairman, Edward Ella, described NASWDEN's members as vital contributors to Nigeria's recycling value chain. "The materials collected by our members are used by industries producing iron rods and steel products," he said, adding that none of their members are involved in vandalism.
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Chairman of the newly inaugurated Caretaker Committee, Mr. Uko Iwaudofia, affirmed the committee's readiness to sanitize the sector and strengthen accountability. "This is a multi-billion-naira industry contributing significantly to Nigeria's economy," he noted.
The association said it would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to support policy development and ensure a stable operating environment.
With growing interest in local sourcing and circular economy models, NASWDEN's work highlights the potential of the waste and scrap sector to drive sustainable development, job creation, and industrial growth—especially for small businesses embedded in its value chain.
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