CHANJA DATTI: Tackling Nigeria’s waste management challenges one initiative at a time

By Bem Abubaker

Regardless of a government’s wellintentioned efforts to meet the needs of its citizens, achieving the desired level of success becomes challenging due to the multitude of governance areas requiring attention. This is what gives partnerships with the private sector relevance and makes corporate social responsibility important as well. Chanja Datti, a waste recycling and environmental sustainability organization in Nigeria, with a specific focus on Abuja, the capital city, and the northern region. Chanja Datti, is at the forefront of Nigeria’s green revolution, illustrating its commitment to promoting waste recycling practices and fostering a healthier environment.

Their paramount objective is to address Nigeria's waste management challenge by implementing effective recycling processes and techniques. Through their innovative initiatives and programs, they strive to minimize waste accumulation, promote sustainable practices, and create a cleaner, greener future.

The organization employs a diverse range of methods to ensure efficient waste recycling and management. By collecting various recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, metal, and glass, Chanja Datti processes them for reuse and recycling. Their goal is to significantly reduce waste sent to landfills, mitigating environmental pollution and conserving natural resources. By embracing efficient waste management practices, they actively contribute to the circular economy and its principles of "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle."

Empowering Communities Through Waste Management

Furthermore, Chanja Datti’s initiatives generate employment opportunities, foster community engagement, and raise awareness about the significance of waste recycling and environmental sustainability. The organisation’s mission extends beyond waste recycling as they strive to convert waste into commercially viable products while empowering women and young entrepreneurs.

Initiatives include collecting waste plastics, such as PET bottles, pure water sachets, and nylon bags, as well as recyclables like aluminum cans, papers, tires, and glass bottles. These materials undergo transformation into flakes or shreds, serving as raw materials for the manufacturing of various products. The organization actively conducts education and awareness campaigns, providing training, employment, and financial opportunities to youth and women.

Founded in 2015 by Olufunto Boroffice, Chanja Datti arose from the urgent need to tackle environmental health challenges arising from waste pollution in Nigeria. Notable initiatives include the Bottles for Books Initiative, incentivizing PET bottle recycling to support education, and the Women Recyclers Empowerment Initiative, offering training and employment opportunities to women in the recycling sector. The Protect 10,000 Initiative aims to safeguard waste pickers and vulnerable groups by supplying Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), while the Cash4Trash program promotes recycling and advocates for changes in consumption habits within communities. Additionally, Chanja Datti's Recykoin application streamlines household recycling, allowing for easy scheduling of waste pickups and providing incentives.

Chanja Datti's impact is substantial, and their dedication to a sustainable and environmentally conscious future is commendable. Their effective collaborations with government agencies, local communities, and esteemed partners such as Coca-Cola, Nestle, Vital Voices, Transcorp Hilton, and the Coca-Cola Foundation have facilitated the expansion of their initiatives, improved the lives of local recyclers, empowered women, provided vocational skills training, and fostered a culture of recycling across Nigeria.

With over 600 women positively impacted through the Women Recyclers Empowerment Initiatives and an impressive number of children reintegrated into schools via the Bottles for Books initiative, Chanja Datti demonstrates its commitment to social and educational development. With a recycling capacity exceeding 500 tons of waste per month, they make significant strides in reducing waste accumulation and enhancing environmental well-being. At Chanja Datti, data plays a pivotal role in their operations. They maintain a comprehensive database of materials collected at their facilities, hubs, and host communities, enabling them to track the volume of materials recovered, assess their environmental impact, and make informed decisions for further improvement. Regular engagement with host communities, efficient data management, and a feedback mechanism ensure the efficacy and continuous enhancement of their initiatives.

Chanja Datti stands as a shining example of environmental responsibility and dedication to waste recycling and management in Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships, impactful initiatives, and a commitment to sustainability, they pave the way for a cleaner and greener Nigeria while inspiring positive change in waste management practices.