Apodissi joined the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria, ECOWAS, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria, on the Zero Waste Eco-Fair. As a technology transfer company and partner in Erasmus+ projects, funded by the European Commission, like CircuWasteVETAfrica and SUSTAIN-IT, that promote green waste management skills and environmental education in Africa. This was an opportunity to be in an active conversation about capacity building, skills development, and policies that drive change in waste reduction and resource efficiency across Nigeria.
The annual event had its second edition to celebrate the international zero-waste day and the launch of the committee and circular economy road map in Nigeria. This year’s theme focused on the waste consumption in the fashion and textiles industry, a sector known for its overproduction and environmental impact. The event highlighted the efforts of micro-entrepreneurs who drive change by creating recycled products such as bags, shoes, and sculptures using discarded textiles, plastic waste, metal scraps, and other post-consumer materials. Their work exemplifies how materials can be repurposed creatively and sustainably, promoting a circular economy and encouraging more responsible consumption practices.
“At Apodissi, we believe that sustainable change can be promoted with active participation through creativity and collaboration,” said Margherita Trestini, Managing Director, Apodissi. “Events like the Zero Waste Eco-Fair bring these elements together to shape a more resilient and resource-efficient future.”
The event also promoted digital innovation in circular waste management and the circular economy through a competition among secondary school students. One highlight was a handmade robotic prototype designed for efficient waste disposal, showcasing young talent and ingenuity. This aligns with our broader objectives in the CircuWasteVETAfrica project, which aims to equip vocational education and training (VET) learners with skills in frugal innovation, focusing on essential functionalities, optimized performance, and significant cost reduction.
“Products and materials need to be kept in circulation through maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, and combustion,” Hon. Gauteir Mignot, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reinforced in his speech, highlighting the event as an initiative of the European Union has a way to achieve a zero waste nation and coming initiatives with UNIDO, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to address waste from the renewal and energy sector like solar panel and battery.
Ms Omotunde Adeola, Director of the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department of the Ministry, was present on behalf of the Honorable Minister, Balarabe Abbas Lawal. She highlights the various challenges the textile industry faces yearly in applauding this event as a way to sharpen a future that prioritises environmental stewardship, job creation, and safeguarding the environment.
The Zero Waste Eco-Fair served as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share in transitioning toward a greener environment. From empowering youth through innovation to spotlighting grassroots entrepreneurs and advancing policy discussions across sectors.
