The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has formally designated the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of Nigeria (REDIN) as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme for the Motor Vehicle and Miscellaneous Assembly Sector.
Under the EPR framework, a PRO is an organization that manages post-consumer waste from products on behalf of producers. While presenting the PRO Certificate to REDIN in Abuja, the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, stated that the designation represents a significant step towards strengthening the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility policy in Nigeria’s automotive sector, particularly regarding the management of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) and associated waste streams.
Prof. Barikor noted that while the growth of Nigeria’s automotive sector brings substantial economic and social benefits, the rising number of vehicles reaching the end of their useful life creates environmental challenges that demand an organized, accountable, and environmentally sound management system.
“End-of-Life Vehicles contain valuable materials that can be recovered and returned to productive use. They also contain hazardous components and substances which, if improperly managed, can contaminate land and water and expose workers and surrounding communities to environmental and health risks,” Prof. Barikor explained.
Accepting the designation on behalf of REDIN, Executive Secretary Dr. Fynray Mbata highlighted the broader economic and environmental gains of implementing the EPR program within the industry.
“A properly structured End-of-Life Vehicle recycling ecosystem can create jobs, attract investment, support local manufacturing, reduce dependence on virgin raw materials, encourage innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the emerging circular economy,” Dr. Mbata said.
He emphasized that receiving the certificate must translate into practical programs, meaningful partnerships, improved regulatory compliance, and measurable environmental outcomes.
