Photo:L-R: Vice Chairman, Shuwarin Local Government Area, Jigawa Sate; Dr Nura I. Doka; Commissioner for Environment; Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation; Safiyya Sanusi, Princess, Shuwarin, Jigawa State;  Bashir Abdullahi, Sarkin Gabas and Hakimin Shuwarin. THE King’s Council, Jigawa.

Sahara Group Foundation has expanded its community-based recycling initiative with the launch of two new Sahara Go Recycling Hubs in Jigawa and Kaduna states, extending structured waste management services while creating new economic opportunities across Northern Nigeria.

The newly commissioned facilities, located at Gidan Hakimi in Shuwarin Local Government Area of Jigawa State and Asharami Retail Station in Badiko, Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are the Foundation’s 21st and 22nd recycling hubs nationwide. They also represent its second and third operational hubs in Northern Nigeria.

The Jigawa facility was developed in partnership with the King’s Council of Shuwarin, while the Kaduna hub was established in collaboration with Asharami Synergy, a Sahara Group company.

The expansion forms part of the Foundation’s Sahara Beyond XXX sustainability strategy, which seeks to transform waste into economic value by encouraging recycling, environmental stewardship and community-led enterprise.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremonies, Sahara Group Foundation Director Chidilim Menakaya said the initiative demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to delivering practical sustainability solutions through strategic partnerships.

“By collaborating with institutions and sister companies that understand local realities, we are building a recycling ecosystem that communities can own, sustain and benefit from over the long term,” Menakaya said.

She noted that the recycling hubs are designed not only to improve environmental sanitation but also to create income-generating opportunities for households, women and young people through the collection and recycling of waste materials.

The commissioning ceremonies attracted government officials, traditional rulers, community representatives and Sahara Group executives.

Among those in attendance in Jigawa were members of the King’s Council, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Nura I. Doka, Chairman of Shuwarin Local Government Area Hon. Abdulhamid Ibrahim Balago, community leaders and residents.

Speaking on behalf of the King’s Council, Alhaji Bashir Abdullahi, Sarkin Gabas and Hakimin Shuwarin, described the project as a timely intervention for the community.

“For many years, our community lacked an organised system for managing waste beyond open burning or roadside dumping,” he said.

“This recycling hub provides young people and women with an opportunity to earn income from materials that previously polluted the environment.”

In Kaduna, Aliyu Abdullahi Mabai, Filling Station Manager at Asharami Retail Station, Badiko, said hosting the recycling hub aligns with the company’s commitment to responsible business practices.

“We are pleased to provide a convenient recycling point for our customers and neighbouring communities. It reflects Asharami Synergy’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community development,” he said.

Sahara Group Foundation also announced plans to commission another Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Kano State in the coming weeks.

The planned expansion follows recent engagements with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who expressed strong support for extending the initiative to the state.

Since its launch, the Sahara Go Recycling programme has recycled more than 1,000 tonnes of waste materials while directly and indirectly supporting over 2,000 livelihoods across Nigeria.

The initiative is part of Sahara Group Foundation’s broader efforts to promote a circular economy by reducing waste, improving environmental sustainability and creating inclusive economic opportunities in underserved communities.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its environmental and sustainability agenda, initiatives such as Sahara Go Recycling are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting cleaner cities, responsible waste management and green job creation across the country.