Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, grapples with several challenges with the adoption of circular economy principles; resulting in a substantial portion of its resources remaining unrecycled. Consequently, the country faces sustainability and resource-efficiency dilemmas. Extant literature shows that the recycling of used resources may potentially reduce waste and foster optimum utilization of resources. However, only a few literatures have delved into the circular economy landscape in Nigeria. The study aimed to identify the challenges hindering the adoption of circular economy principles in Africa’s largest economy, gauge the level of engagement in circular economy practices among individuals, evaluate governmental involvement in promoting circular economy initiatives, find out whether the adoption of circular economy is important to the sustainable development, evaluate the viability of circular economy to businesses, analyze the adequacy of infrastructure for the adoption of circular economy and find out whether education and awareness campaigns are required for the adoption of circular economy in Nigeria. The research was hinged on Robert Frosch and Nicholas E. Gallopoulos’ Industrial Ecology Theory of Circular Economy. The study employed quantitative research methods. Questionnaires were disseminated utilizing online platforms such as Google forms, emails, WhatsApp, and various social media channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Descriptive statistics and factor analysis techniques were utilized for data analysis. Analyses were based on 95.0% confidence level. Findings from the study revealed that respondents identified lack of awareness and understanding (91.0%), technological limitations (91.0%), economic factors (90.0%), regulatory and policy barriers (80.0%), social and cultural factors (78.0%), and infrastructural limitations (64.0%) as challenges to the adoption of circular economy principles in Nigeria. Notably, level of individuals engagements in circular economy was low as only 13.8% respondents were involved in circular economy activities. Similarly, government support for circular economy was low as only 8.0% respondents believed that government is supportive. Moreover, all the respondents (except 13.0% that were neutral) believed that transitioning to a circular economy would be economically viable for businesses. Also, all respondents (except 11.0% that were neutral) indicated that adoption of circular economy is important for Nigeria’s economic sustainability. Meanwhile, 61.0% respondents indicated that Nigeria does not have adequate infrastructures to adopt circular economy. Similarly, 78.0% respondents believed that education and awareness campaigns are required for the adoption of circular economy in Nigeria. These findings underscore the imperative for government to enhance educational efforts and raise awareness about circular economy concepts in Nigeria. Encouraging active participation in circular economy activities and providing requisite policies, infrastructure, and incentives are crucial steps toward fostering circular economy adoption in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Barriers to the Adoption of Circular Economy Principles in Nigeria

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发表日期：

2025年

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Sylvester Anaba

摘要

Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, grapples with several challenges with the adoption of circular economy principles; resulting in a substantial portion of its resources remaining unrecycled. Consequently, the country faces sustainability and resource-efficiency dilemmas. Extant literature shows that the recycling of used resources may potentially reduce waste and foster optimum utilization of resources. However, only a few literatures have delved into the circular economy landscape in Nigeria. The study aimed to identify the challenges hindering the adoption of circular economy principles in Africa’s largest economy, gauge the level of engagement in circular economy practices among individuals, evaluate governmental involvement in promoting circular economy initiatives, find out whether the adoption of circular economy is important to the sustainable development, evaluate the viability of circular economy to businesses, analyze the adequacy of infrastructure for the adoption of circular economy and find out whether education and awareness campaigns are required for the adoption of circular economy in Nigeria. The research was hinged on Robert Frosch and Nicholas E. Gallopoulos’ Industrial Ecology Theory of Circular Economy. The study employed quantitative research methods. Questionnaires were disseminated utilizing online platforms such as Google forms, emails, WhatsApp, and various social media channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Descriptive statistics and factor analysis techniques were utilized for data analysis. Analyses were based on 95.0% confidence level. Findings from the study revealed that respondents identified lack of awareness and understanding (91.0%), technological limitations (91.0%), economic factors (90.0%), regulatory and policy barriers (80.0%), social and cultural factors (78.0%), and infrastructural limitations (64.0%) as challenges to the adoption of circular economy principles in Nigeria. Notably, level of individuals engagements in circular economy was low as only 13.8% respondents were involved in circular economy activities. Similarly, government support for circular economy was low as only 8.0% respondents believed that government is supportive. Moreover, all the respondents (except 13.0% that were neutral) believed that transitioning to a circular economy would be economically viable for businesses. Also, all respondents (except 11.0% that were neutral) indicated that adoption of circular economy is important for Nigeria’s economic sustainability. Meanwhile, 61.0% respondents indicated that Nigeria does not have adequate infrastructures to adopt circular economy. Similarly, 78.0% respondents believed that education and awareness campaigns are required for the adoption of circular economy in Nigeria. These findings underscore the imperative for government to enhance educational efforts and raise awareness about circular economy concepts in Nigeria. Encouraging active participation in circular economy activities and providing requisite policies, infrastructure, and incentives are crucial steps toward fostering circular economy adoption in Nigeria’s economic landscape.