Concerns over environmental injustice in Nigeria took centre stage at the Inclusive Environments Nigeria Workshop, where experts called for urgent reforms to make sustainability policies more inclusive.

The event was held in collaboration with University of Derby, University of Chester, Renevlyn Development Initiative, and the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN).

Speakers said many Nigerian communities remain excluded from decisions on projects that directly affect their land and livelihoods.

Research led by UK-based experts

The discussions were informed by a major research project led by Chantal Davies, who headed the study on inclusive environmental decision-making.

The research team also included Holly White, Kim Ross, both from the University of Chester and Eghosa Ekhator from the University of Derby.

The study examined how environmental policies can better reflect the needs of marginalised communities through inclusive frameworks.

‘EIA process is failing communities’ – Philip Jakpor

Delivering the welcome address, Philip Jakpor said Nigeria’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system is not working as intended.

“Community people are supposed to be participants in the process. Their views are supposed to matter and inform whether a project goes forward or not.”

He said, however, that the reality is different.

“What we see in Nigeria is limited or no community involvement in EIA processes and total lack of transparency on the part of project implementers.”

Jakpor added that many EIA documents are not accessible.

“There are many projects whose so-called EIA cannot even be found.”

Projects ‘forced on communities’ without consultation

According to Jakpor, communities across Nigeria, from the Niger Delta to the northern regions often face imposed projects.

“Communities hosting development projects insist that such projects are foisted on them with no prior consultations held.”

He warned that companies frequently treat EIA as a box-ticking exercise.

“Most companies only ‘inform’ communities instead of including them as stakeholders whose views matter.”

Systemic failures and weak enforcement

Jakpor also criticised weak enforcement mechanisms.

“We hardly hear of companies penalised for breach of EIA processes.”

He said poor monitoring contributes to environmental degradation across the country.

Niger Delta remains symbol of environmental injustice

Environmental advocate Eric Dooh highlighted long-standing damage in the Niger Delta.

“There has been massive environmental destruction, and companies have not taken responsibility.”

He warned that oil companies may leave without addressing environmental damage.

Legal battles reveal global dimension

Human rights lawyer Chima Williams described how affected communities sought justice abroad, including legal action against Shell.

“We faced jurisdiction battles, delays, and unequal resources but we eventually won on appeal.”

He said the case highlighted systemic issues such as corporate influence and weak regulatory enforcement.

Global research shapes inclusive framework

Speaking on the research findings, Eghosa Ekhator said the proposed Environmental Justice Framework draws lessons from Africa and Latin America.

He explained that environmental justice in African contexts focuses more on access to natural resources, while Western models emphasise pollution and climate risks.

The framework promotes:

Community participation (co-production)

Transparency in governance

Inclusion of marginalised groups

Integration of environmental and social justice

What the research shows

The study found:

Weak community engagement in environmental decision-making

Lack of transparency in project implementation

Poor enforcement of environmental laws

Absence of a consistent justice-based framework

Researchers warned that without reform, sustainability policies could worsen inequality.

Proposed solutions

Recommendations include:

A national Environmental Justice Framework

A mapping tool to track environmental inequalities

A community engagement hub

Stronger enforcement of EIA regulations

These measures aim to ensure communities are active participants not passive observers.

Why this matters

Environmental decisions directly affect millions of Nigerians, especially in resource-rich but vulnerable regions.

Experts say excluding communities risks deepening poverty, conflict, and environmental damage.

What happens next

Stakeholders are calling for immediate adoption of inclusive frameworks across government and industry.

They say meaningful change will depend on putting communities at the centre of decision-making.

SIFAX Group and its chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, have won three major awards at the Maritime Industry Merit Awards 2025, recognising their contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The awards ceremony, held in Lagos, saw SIFAX Group named Most Corporate Social Responsibility Friendly Company, while Dr. Afolabi received both the Lifetime Maritime Award and Maritime Man of the Year.

Organisers said the “Maritime Man of the Year” award followed a 60-day voting process involving industry stakeholders.

According to Elder Asu Beks, the recognition reflects Dr. Afolabi’s long-standing role in shaping Nigeria’s maritime sector and his vision of positioning the country as a leading maritime hub in sub-Saharan Africa.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s maritime industry plays a critical role in trade, logistics and economic growth.

Industry observers say recognising private-sector leaders could encourage further investment, innovation and improved standards across ports, shipping and logistics services.

SIFAX Group’s CSR award also highlights increasing expectations for companies to balance profit with social impact.

“A validation of decades of impact”

Receiving the awards on behalf of the chairman, Captain Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director at Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, said the recognition reflects sustained leadership and industry impact.

“These awards are deeply appreciated, and they serve as a strong validation of Dr. Taiwo Afolabi’s decades-long contributions to the growth and development of the maritime and logistics industry in Nigeria.”

He added that the company remains committed to innovation and sustainability:

“For us as a Group, this honour also reflects our unwavering commitment to initiatives that positively impact our communities, stakeholders and the wider society.”

L-R: Joseph Ogundiran, Corporate Communications Officer, SIFAX Group; Dr. Boniface Okechukwu, Former President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF); Captain Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, Ports & Cargo (Representing Dr. Taiwo Afolabi); and Olatunde Adewola, Deputy Manager Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group displaying the triple awards won by SIFAX Group and it’s Chairman at the Maritime Industry Merit Awards(MIMA) 2025.

Industry perspective

Experts say awards like MIMA often serve as benchmarks for excellence in Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem.

They also help spotlight indigenous companies competing in a sector historically dominated by international players.

What’s next

SIFAX Group is expected to expand its footprint across logistics, aviation, and oil and gas, as demand for integrated supply chain solutions continues to grow in Nigeria.

Analysts say continued investment in infrastructure and digital logistics will be key to maintaining its competitive edge.

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.