Lagos State, a rapidly growing metropolis, faces a significant waste management crisis, with an estimated 66% of its population living in informal settlements. This mounting waste problem poses severe health and environmental risks, especially for residents in underprivileged areas. However, Bilikis Adebiyi Abiola, a visionary Nigerian entrepreneur, stepped forward to address this challenge. Through her initiative, WeCyclers, she is revolutionizing waste management, promoting sustainability, and empowering Lagos households to participate actively in recycling efforts.
Background and Inspiration
Bilikis Adebiyi Abiola was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. After earning her undergraduate degree abroad, she worked as a software engineer at IBM before pursuing further studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management. During her time at MIT, Bilikis developed a passion for tackling the pressing waste management issues in her home country. Inspired by her studies, she envisioned a solution: incentivizing households to recycle by exchanging waste for rewards like raffle tickets.
Encouraged by positive feedback from family, friends, and peers at MIT, Bilikis returned to Nigeria in 2012 and launched WeCyclers.
The WeCyclers Initiative
With her strong academic background and experience at a Fortune 500 company, Bilikis faced scepticism when she entered Nigeria’s waste management sector. However, her determination to merge her passion for environmental sustainability with her technical and managerial expertise drove her to succeed.
Founded in 2012, WeCyclers operates on a unique business model that blends environmental sustainability with social impact. The company uses low-cost cargo bikes, called “cycles,” to collect recyclables like plastic, cans, and paper from households in low-income areas. Participants receive SMS notifications with points based on the volume of recyclables they contribute, which they can redeem for food, household items, or cash. This innovative system reduces urban waste and encourages community members to recognize the value of recycling.
In the past 12 years, WeCyclers has collected an impressive 15,433 tons of recyclables, significantly impacting Lagos’s waste management system.
Impact on Lagos State
WeCyclers has played a pivotal role in transforming waste management in Lagos. By partnering with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the company helps to collect and recycle tons of waste that would otherwise pollute the city. This initiative has led to cleaner neighbourhoods and reduced health risks associated with poor waste disposal.
Additionally, WeCyclers has created numerous job opportunities, providing a steady income for collectors and recyclers. The initiative has also contributed to the local economy by converting waste into valuable materials for industries, fostering a circular economy and promoting sustainable living.
Recognition and Awards
In 2017, Bilikis Adebiyi Abiola stepped down as CEO of WeCyclers and transitioned into new roles, first as the Managing Director of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) and currently as the Director General of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB).
Bilikis has gained international recognition for her impactful work. She received grants from MIT and prestigious awards such as the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award for Sub-Saharan Africa 2013. In 2018/19, WeCyclers won the King Baudouin International Development Prize. Her partnerships with Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé, NBC, Eko Hotels & Suites, and EcoSurety highlight her success in managing urban waste, improving public health, and creating economic value.
