By Abigael Joshua
An NGO, the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of Nigeria (REDIN) has received an accreditation certificate from National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to promote the recovery and recycling of End-of-Life Vehicles(ELVs).
Receiving the certificate on Thursday in Abuja, Dr Fyneray Mbata, the Executive Secretary and Chief Responsibility Officer of REDIN, pledged to promote the recovery of ELVs to curb environmental pollution, and generate employment nationwide.
Mbata also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NESREA to promote the initiative.
He described REDIN’s accreditation by NESREA as a major step towards responsible automotive waste management in Nigeria.
According to him, the approval is more than an endorsement, but a mandate to protect the environment and promote responsible management of automotive products and materials throughout their life cycle.
He said ELVs should no longer be regarded simply as discarded materials but as recoverable resources requiring proper collection, dismantling, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal.
“As we receive this certificate today, we regard this milestone not as a destination but as the beginning of greater work,” he said.
Mbata said REDIN would operate within the regulatory framework established by the Federal Government under the guidance and oversight of NESREA.
He said the organisation would promote compliance among vehicle producers and other stakeholders while supporting the formalisation and professionalisation of the automotive value chain.
He said REDIN will also encourage a transition from an informal and fragmented automotive waste management system to one that is organised, transparent, traceable, inclusive and environmentally responsible.
According to him, a properly structured End-of-Life Vehicle recycling ecosystem can create jobs, attract investment, support local manufacturing and reduce dependence on virgin raw materials.
Mbata added that the system could encourage innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the emerging circular economy.
The REDIN executive secretary said improved automotive waste management would also reduce public health risks associated with abandoned vehicles, emissions, indiscriminate dumping, uncontrolled burning and improper handling of hazardous components.
He stressed that achieving sustainable transformation in the sector would require collaboration among government, producers, recyclers, regulators and other stakeholders.
He commended NESREA for its rigorous accreditation process, describing it as a mechanism for promoting accountability, competence, transparency and measurable performance.
He said the accreditation certificate must translate into practical programmes, meaningful partnerships, improved compliance and measurable environmental outcomes.
He pledged REDIN’s commitment to ensuring that the confidence reposed in the organisation would deliver tangible public value and environmental benefits.
Mbata commended NESREA for accrediting REDIN as a Producer Responsibility Organisation for Nigeria’s automotive sector.
Speaking, Prof. Innocent Barikor, Director-General of NESREA, said bringing the automotive sector under the Producer Responsibility framework was critical to ensuring environmentally sound management of ELVs in Nigeria.
He said recyclers and collectors must be registered and monitored to ensure accountability, adding that NESREA would provide regulatory support and compliance monitoring.
Barikor commended REDIN for its accreditation, pledging NESREA’s support while warning that the agency would enforce regulations against any operator that failed to comply. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza