A Review of the Circular Economy in Nigeria: From Rhetoric to Enterprise Development

This chapter examines the circular economy (CE) transition in Nigeria through interviews with nine entrepreneurs involved in CE businesses. A framework is developed to explain the transition from rhetoric about CE among government, waste management organizations, and the public, to active enterprise development. The framework proposes that macro-level catalysts like government policies, infrastructure, and culture, along with micro-level catalysts like passion, experience, and attitudes, enable the shift from discussion to implementation of CE principles through business creation. The interviews reveal key challenges faced by CE enterprises in Nigeria including lack of supportive policies and infrastructure, need for improved waste management culture, and difficulty accessing funding and materials. Recommendations center on collaboration between government and private sector, infrastructure improvements, incentives, and education to further foster CE adoption. Ultimately, the successful realization of a CE in Nigeria will require commitment across stakeholders to enable innovative, circular business models to thrive.