Sahara Group, Plan International partner on waste-to-wealth program targeting Nigerian girls

Sahara Group Foundation and Plan International Nigeria signed a partnership agreement to expand a waste recycling program that prioritises economic empowerment for adolescent girls and vulnerable communities.

The collaboration, formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed Jan. 19, links Sahara Group’s existing Sahara Go Recycling Project with Plan International’s expertise in gender equality and youth development. The initiative targets at least 60 percent participation from adolescent girls.

“Sahara Go Recycling was conceived in 2021 as more than an environmental initiative; it is a deliberate platform for inclusion, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods,” said Chidilim Menakaya, director of Sahara Group Foundation, during the signing ceremony in Lagos.

The program converts recyclable waste into economic value while creating income-generating opportunities for participants. The model represents a shift from traditional corporate environmental programs by embedding social inclusion metrics directly into operational targets.

Plan International Nigeria will contribute development frameworks focused on child protection and gender inclusion to the existing recycling infrastructure. The organisation works in education and economic empowerment programs across Nigeria.

“When environmental action is intentionally designed to create livelihood, dignity, and economic empowerment, girls are better positioned to learn, build skills, and contribute meaningfully,” said Charles Usie, Plan International Nigeria’s country director.

The partnership follows growing interest among multinational corporations operating in Nigeria to align sustainability programs with measurable social outcomes. Sahara Group, an international energy conglomerate, launched its foundation’s recycling program in 2021 as one of four flagship social responsibility projects.

Sheila Ojei, director of philanthropy at Plan International Nigeria, said safeguarding protocols will be integrated into program delivery. The organisation’s plan to track outcomes across eight UN Sustainable Development Goals, including responsible consumption, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.

The program operates in a country where waste management infrastructure remains limited in many communities, creating both environmental challenges and potential economic opportunities for organised recycling systems.

Dipo Oladehinde is a skilled energy analyst with experience across Nigeria's energy sector alongside relevant know-how about Nigeria’s macro economy.

He provides a blend of market intelligence, financial analysis, industry insight, micro and macro-level analysis of a wide range of local and international issues as well as informed technical rudiments for policy-making and private directions.

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