The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has designated the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of Nigeria (REDIN) as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme for Nigeria’s Motor Vehicle and Miscellaneous Assembly Sector.
The designation is aimed at strengthening the management of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) and other associated waste streams through a structured, accountable and environmentally sustainable system.
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Presenting the PRO certificate to REDIN on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of NESREA, Professor Innocent Barikor, described the development as a significant milestone in the implementation of EPR in Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Prof. Barikor said the growth of the automotive industry had brought considerable economic and social benefits to the country, but the increasing number of vehicles reaching the end of their useful life was creating environmental challenges that required urgent and coordinated action.
According to him, End-of-Life Vehicles contain valuable materials that can be recovered and returned to productive use, but they also contain hazardous components and substances which could contaminate land and water and expose workers and surrounding communities to environmental and health risks when improperly handled.
He stressed the need for an organised vehicle recycling system capable of ensuring the safe recovery, treatment and disposal of automotive waste in line with environmental standards.
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Speaking on behalf of REDIN, its Executive Secretary, Dr Fynray Mbata, said effective implementation of EPR in the automotive sector could deliver significant economic and environmental benefits to Nigeria.
Dr Mbata explained that a properly structured End-of-Life Vehicle recycling ecosystem could create jobs, attract investment, support local manufacturing, reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and promote innovation.
He added that the initiative would also contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s position in the emerging circular economy.
Dr Mbata said REDIN viewed the PRO certificate as a responsibility to deliver practical programmes, establish meaningful partnerships, improve compliance and achieve measurable environmental outcomes.
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He assured that REDIN would work to ensure that the confidence placed in the organisation translated into tangible benefits for the environment and the Nigerian public.
The development is expected to contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to promote sustainable waste management, resource recovery and the transition towards a circular economy in the automotive sector.