Splendour Empowerment Foundation to turn plastic waste into economic opportunity with digital innovation

NIGERIA – The Splendour Empowerment Foundation (SEF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has announced plans to pioneer a transformative, tech-driven approach to managing plastic waste, turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.

In a statement released in Abuja, the foundation’s Executive Director, Mrs. Vera Abisoye, said the initiative will be integrated into SEF’s existing community-driven programs and supported by advanced digital solutions.

“This strategy will not only address the urgent issue of plastic pollution but also significantly reduce carbon emissions, creating cleaner, more sustainable communities,” said Abisoye.

She highlighted that plastic waste is a growing concern in both rural and urban Nigeria. The country generates about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which is improperly disposed of, clogging waterways, worsening flooding, and posing health hazards.

Abisoye noted that Nigeria’s fragile communities already face pressure from natural resource competition and displacement, making sustainable waste solutions more urgent than ever.

SEF’s new model leverages digital tools to enhance plastic collection, recycling, and environmental education at the community level.

The foundation has rolled out mobile platforms and apps that allow residents to log waste collection activities, access real-time data on waste volumes, and identify types and locations of waste.

This streamlines collection efforts and boosts recycling efficiency.

“Each collection effort is recorded on a secure digital ledger, ensuring transparency, preventing greenwashing, and building confidence among donors and investors,” she said.

Stakeholders will also have access to digital dashboards displaying visual reports and key project metrics.

The foundation’s approach also includes community training in waste sorting, recycling techniques, and digital literacy.

By empowering residents to participate directly in waste management, SEF is fostering local ownership of environmental stewardship.

“This participatory model not only improves waste practices but also creates income through the sale of recycled materials and plastic credits,” Abisoye added.

She emphasized that digital tracking has already improved recycling rates and reduced the volume of plastic waste ending up in landfills or incinerators, thus cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

“SEF’s innovative integration of digital solutions into grassroots waste management can serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges,” she said.

“By combining technology with community engagement, we aim to scale our impact and drive broader efforts to mitigate pollution, climate change, and community-level vulnerability.”

The foundation is now seeking partnerships with government agencies, private companies, and other NGOs to secure funding and expand the initiative nationally.

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