Rite Foods Limited has launched a new recycling initiative aimed at helping Nigerians earn money from plastic waste while tackling environmental pollution.

The programme, called “Waste-Is-Naira” (W.I.N), was unveiled in Lagos in partnership with RecyclePoints. It is designed to promote sustainable waste management and support Nigeria’s push towards a circular economy.

Turning waste into income

Under the scheme, residents can exchange used plastic bottles and beverage cans for cash. Participants are given special collection bags to separate recyclable waste at home, which is then taken to designated centres for weighing and payment.

Organisers say the initiative could recover more than 750 tonnes of plastic waste each year.

Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, said the project reflects the company’s responsibility beyond production.

“This initiative goes beyond clean-up efforts. It reflects our responsibility as a producer to close the loop on our packaging materials,” he said.

“With ‘Waste-Is-Naira’, we are institutionalising a system where post-consumer waste is recovered, reintegrated into the value chain, and translated into tangible socio-economic benefits for Nigerians.”

Government and industry backing

The initiative has received support from key environmental regulators, including the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and the Lagos Waste Management Authority.

Officials say the programme aligns with the state’s environmental policies and waste management goals.

Mrs Adedayo Adebayo of LASEPA said structured frameworks like this are critical for long-term environmental impact, while LAWMA representative Oguntola Omolara described it as a timely intervention.

Adeoye Babajide from the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Water Resources added that the initiative supports efforts to keep the environment clean and protect water resources.

‘A shift in how waste is valued’

Daniel Oderinde, Programme Manager at RecyclePoints, explained that the system uses digital tracking to ensure transparency and financial inclusion for participants.

Meanwhile, Akin Disu, founder of Pop Beach Club and a sustainability partner, said the project changes how people see waste.

“What we call waste is simply value in the wrong place,” he said.

“‘Waste-Is-Naira’ is a powerful example of how Extended Producer Responsibility can work effectively at the grassroots.”

Driving a circular economy

The Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a scalable model for industry-wide adoption.

Its Executive Secretary, Arese Onigise, said:

“By creating collection systems that incentivise consumers and integrate informal waste actors, Rite Foods is contributing significantly to the development of a circular economy for packaging in Nigeria.”

The programme builds on earlier clean-up campaigns by Rite Foods and shifts focus to a more structured, incentive-based model.

Jobs and community impact

Beyond reducing pollution, the initiative is expected to create jobs across the recycling chain and support informal waste collectors.

By linking households, waste pickers and aggregators, the scheme aims to formalise recycling activities while improving livelihoods.

Experts say such public-private partnerships could play a key role in addressing Nigeria’s growing waste challenge while creating economic opportunities at the community level.

Nigerian authorities have intercepted 30.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed on a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel at Apapa Port, Lagos, in a major operation against international drug trafficking.

The haul, recovered aboard the MV Aruna, consisted of 30 slabs of the illicit substance and was discovered at the Greenview Terminal on Friday, January 2, 2026, the first working day of the year. Officials said the shipment was carefully hidden, highlighting the sophisticated methods used by smugglers.

Why it matters

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa, said the operation demonstrated “strong inter-agency synergy between federal government entities and our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement.”

He added: “While criminal elements seek to outsmart us, our officers remain one step ahead, ensuring no smuggling attempt, whether disguised as import, export, or transit cargo, succeeds under my watch.”

This seizure follows a string of successful operations in recent weeks. Just two weeks ago, authorities confiscated 25.5kg of cocaine hidden in five bags aboard another vessel. In December 2025, they recovered 1,187kg of “Canadian Loud” cannabis hidden in imported vehicles.

What’s next

Following standard protocols, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken possession of the seized cocaine for further investigation and prosecution. Authorities emphasized that the Apapa Port Command will continue to facilitate legal trade while safeguarding national security.

Comptroller Oshoba described the operation as “a bold statement for 2026,” underscoring a zero-tolerance policy toward illicit trade.

December is often a financially demanding period, marked by travel, celebrations and increased household spending. Banks across Nigeria typically roll out seasonal incentives to ease pressure on customers and encourage digital transactions.

Wema Bank says its latest offer is designed to reward loyalty while helping customers stretch their money during the holidays.

What the campaign offers

The lender has launched “12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards”, a festive promotion running from 14 to 25 December 2025.

Under the scheme, 33 customers will be rewarded daily, each receiving ₦5,000 when they fund their account with ₦5,000.

Customers can qualify by funding their accounts through:

The ALAT mobile app

*USSD code 945#

Debit card transactions

Once the ₦5,000 funding is completed through any of these channels, the customer receives an additional ₦5,000 as a reward.

Wema Bank’s position

Wema Bank says the campaign reflects its focus on customer-centred banking and turning routine transactions into meaningful experiences, especially during the festive season.

The bank adds that the initiative is meant to support customers as they prepare for family gatherings, run end-of-year errands and plan holiday activities.

What customers gain

For customers, the campaign offers immediate cash value rather than points or long-term bonuses, which can be particularly helpful during Christmas spending.

It also lowers the barrier to participation, as the required amount mirrors typical daily transactions rather than large deposits.

What’s next

As the year draws to a close, Wema Bank says it will continue exploring ways to rewar

The campaign ends on 25 December, marking the close of the Christmas season.