csrreporters 
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has unveiled plans to create an additional five million jobs in the country’s scrap and waste sector by the end of 2025. This ambitious goal builds on its earlier achievement of facilitating 10 million jobs, pushing the association’s total job creation target to 15 million.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of NASWDEN’s Caretaker Committee in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Founding Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees emphasized the association’s commitment to economic development and responsible business conduct.
“Our members are law-abiding citizens contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy. We do not tolerate vandalism. Any member caught in such acts is sanctioned by our disciplinary committee,” he said, highlighting NASWDEN’s zero-tolerance stance on unethical practices.
The newly sworn-in committee is tasked with preparing the association for its upcoming delegate conference later this year.
Also speaking at the event, the association’s Deputy BOT Chairman reaffirmed NASWDEN’s commitment to ethical scrap collection and supply to licensed recycling plants—especially those focused on steel and iron rod processing. He noted that the group plays a vital role in industrial support, not criminal activity.
The Secretary to the Founding Fathers thanked the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity for its support in stabilizing NASWDEN through regulatory partnerships.
In his remarks, new committee chairman Uko Iwaudofia pledged to clean up the sector. “This is a multi-billion-naira industry that fuels major steel rolling mills in Lagos, Kano, and Ikorodu. Our goal is to sanitize operations and expand opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.
The scrap and waste industry has become a critical part of Nigeria’s informal economy, supporting recycling, job creation, and reduced reliance on imported materials. NASWDEN, in collaboration with federal stakeholders, is also pushing for better policies and frameworks to regulate waste management and enhance Nigeria’s circular economy.
Their expanded job plan is expected to empower thousands of households, strengthen local industries, and promote sustainable economic growth across the country.
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