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 operates as an umbrella organisation responsible for managing post-consumer waste from products on behalf of producers and manufacturers.
While presenting the PRO certificate to REDIN in Abuja on Thursday, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, stated that the designation marks a critical milestone in driving accountability and proper waste management across Nigeria’s automotive industry, particularly concerning End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) and associated waste streams.
Prof. Barikor noted that while the expansion of the country’s automotive sector delivers vital economic and social dividends, the rising volume of vehicles reaching the end of their lifecycle poses severe environmental risks that demand an organised, structured management approach.
“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,” he stated.
Accepting the mandate on behalf of REDIN, Executive Secretary Dr. Fynray Mbata emphasized the transformative potential of a regulated recycling framework for the sector, noting that proper oversight would stimulate industry growth and sustainability.
“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.”
“The certificate we receive today must translate into practical programmes, meaningful partnerships, improved compliance, and measurable environmental outcomes. REDIN is committed to ensuring that the confidence placed in us delivers tangible public value,” Mbata said.