Stakeholder from government, development partners, industry and states met to validate the draft National Policy on Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment (OGREE) Waste Management under the project on promoting small hydropower development and circular approaches in Nigeria at the Nigeria Circular Economy Week (NCEW)
The meeting formed part of Component Two of the project, which focuses on advancing Nigeria’s transition to net zero through circular economy practices. The component targets three outputs: a policy and regulatory framework, capacity building of enabling institutions, and demonstration of circular economy business models.
Speaking at the session, Osuji Otu, National Programme Officer of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the Regional Director. He said the gathering marked a milestone in Nigeria’s effort to manage waste from renewable energy technologies and support a low-carbon pathway.
He stated, “Today’s gathering represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a greener, more resilient and sustainable future. It reflects our shared commitment to advancing circular economy principles, reducing environmental impact and contributing to global efforts toward net zero emissions.”
Otu explained that the validation forms part of the EU-funded project on promoting small hydropower development and circular economy approaches in Nigeria. He noted that the initiative aims to strengthen the management of used off-grid energy equipment, reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and build institutional capacity at federal and state levels.
He said, “The off-grid policy sits at the intersection of energy, environment, industry, trade and labour, making collaboration essential. From the outset, this process has been shaped by strong inter-institutional engagement.”
According to him, ministries, departments and agencies worked with policy experts from participating states and a drafting committee led by the Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA. He commended stakeholders for their input from the zero draft through multiple review stages to the validation stage.
He added, “Your expertise and commitment have ensured that the policy is technically sound and responsive to Nigeria’s realities. Following this process, the finalised document will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval.”
Background documents presented at the meeting highlighted Nigeria’s energy access gap and the growth of off-grid renewable energy solutions. About 40 per cent of Nigerians lack electricity access, with rural areas recording lower access levels than urban centres. Expansion of solar, wind, biomass and small hydropower systems is expected to increase volumes of end-of-life equipment such as batteries, panels, inverters and cables.
Participants were told that without a structured waste management system, these materials could pose risks to health and the environment due to the presence of heavy metals and hazardous substances. The policy therefore proposes a circular approach that prioritises prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery over disposal.
Federica Del Llano Toro, legal expert with BlackForest Solutions, presented key provisions of the draft. She explained that Nigeria already has legal instruments covering electronic waste and waste batteries, including extended producer responsibility schemes. The policy seeks to align these frameworks and introduce a dedicated system for OGREE waste tracking and management.
She said, “Producers are responsible for the full lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste. They must bear the cost of collection, treatment and disposal.”
The draft policy outlines goals to protect human health and the environment, establish a circular economy framework and promote socioeconomic inclusion. It proposes clear roles for stakeholders, eco-design standards for imported equipment, and a national registry for extended producer responsibility schemes.
The policy also addresses social inclusion. It calls for integration of informal sector actors through registration, training on safe handling of hazardous waste and partnerships with formal recyclers. It further proposes gender-responsive measures, including support for women-led enterprises and gender-disaggregated monitoring indicators.
Collection and treatment targets are set in phases. Within five years of adoption, the policy aims to collect 50 per cent of installed generators, 25 per cent of other electronic waste and 30 per cent of waste batteries. Long-term targets rise to 80 per cent collection and 90 per cent treatment.
Stakeholders provided feedback on the draft and discussed coordination, enforcement and financing options. The validation meeting is expected to produce a consolidated policy document for submission to the Federal Executive Council, as Nigeria seeks to link renewable energy expansion with effective waste management and circular economy practices.
