Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof Innocent Barikor, has urged industrialists to avail themselves of the benefits of the circular economy.
He stated this at the training it held with ACCAPPOCCO Global Services Nigeria Limited in Ikeja, Lagos with the theme, “Circular economy in industries for environmental sustainability”.
Barikor, who was represented by the Director, Lagos Liaison Office of the agency, Dr. Jonathan Dayal, said the successful transition of Nigeria to a sustainable economy depended on the industries, adding that they should be alive to this task to enjoy the merits.
He noted that a circular economy is not “merely an environmental imperative, but a strategic economic opportunity that could position Nigerian industries at the forefront of Africa’s sustainable industrial revolution”.
“Our intention”, he added, “is to use our responsibility to be a broker and organise partnerships designed to support industries in adopting cleaner technologies and record sufficient prices. We recognise that lasting changes emerge from partnerships, innovation and shared commitments. To the industry leaders present, you are the architects of this transformation. You are invested in investment decisions, technology choices, and operational practices to determine whether an engineer can successfully transition to a cyclical economy. When you embrace cyclical principles, new revenue streams from waste colonisation, enhanced plant repositions, and access to emerging grain and markets. More importantly, you create sustainable development and demonstrate that profitability.”
He thanked ACCAPPOCCO Global Services Nigeria for their collaboration in holding the event. “Their expertise has provided the kind of partnership necessary to drive energy change across Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” hoping that discussions at the forum would gender actionable insights and concrete commitments,” the DG said.
He also thanked the minister of Environment for “his exemplary good leadership”.
The Managing Director, ACCAPPOCCO Global Services Nigeria, Dr. Valentine Opone, said their objective is to build capacity of professionals in the sector, saying that with their honing of the skills of the practitioners things would get better.
Opone said the forum afforded both the government’s enforcement agents and industries’ staff members the opprtunity to meet and sort out grey areas.
He was optimistic that turning waste to wealth, which is the aim of a circular economy, is a necessity for industry owners.
He thanked the government and NESREA for the collaboration and pledged more such programmes in future.
Executive Director, HSE/Industrial Relations, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Limited, Emmanuel Afolayan, decried the multiple charges by government’s enforcement agents, submitting that they are draconian, affecting their survival and anti-people.
He warned that except the government changes its attitude towards manufacturers, the few survival companies might be sent packing from doing business.
While urging the government on right policies, Afolayan tasked the people on good attitudes, especially on refuse disposal.
Prof John Oyedepo of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta advised NESREA on enforcement, saying their activities should not be only for compliance, but also for measurement and proper management boost efficiency.
Jiji launches “Black Friday” sales (brief)
Jiji, online marketplace, has launched its 2025 Black Friday campaign, themed “Deals Na Water.” The sale offers shoppers massive discounts of up to 85 per cent across top-selling categories like phones and tablets, electronics, fashion, home and furniture, and more.
Chief Operating Officer, Jiji Africa, Maxim Makarchuk said the month-long “Money Na Water” Black Friday campaign promises buyers unbeatable affordability, while verified sellers offer genuine discounts to create the best value shopping season Nigerians look forward to every year.
He noted that recent industry data showed that over 70 per cent of Nigerians now search online first when looking for the best prices on essential items.
He said: “The country’s digital acceleration continues to reshape retail, with over 43 million active smartphone users and increased adoption of secure online buying platforms.
“As consumers become more cost-conscious and focused on savings, trusted marketplaces like Jiji are positioned as the go-to source for verified deals and everyday affordability.
Shoppers can explore the exclusively refreshed Jiji Black Friday landing page to discover limited-time offers that update daily. Highlights included smartphones and tablets from top brands, air conditioners, televisions, sound systems, fashion essentials and accessories, home appliances, furniture and more”.
The platform sourced discounted offers only from verified sellers with Verified ID badges on Jiji to ensure transparency and safety.
“This year’s Black Friday is designed to give Nigerians real value through massive savings that feel like deals flowing as freely as water. We’re thrilled to connect millions of buyers to genuine discounts from trusted sellers across the country,” Makarchuk said.
He added that Jiji is equally empowering businesses during the retail peak season:
He said: “For sellers, this is the biggest opportunity to grow visibility and sell faster by offering at least 15 per cent off to be featured on our official Black Friday page. We believe that when buyers win, sellers also win. That’s the marketplace advantage.
“Jiji continues to prioritise security, convenience, and transparency for its users. The platform enables buyers to chat directly with sellers, inspect items before paying, and follow the Jiji Safety Tips in-app to ensure safe transactions with sellers. This combination allows shoppers to secure top deals with confidence.
“The “Money Na Water” Black Friday campaign runs from November 1st through 31st, 2025. Jiji invites buyers and sellers nationwide to tap into the best shopping month of the year, discover mouthwatering deals, and take full advantage of “Deals Na Water”.
