Linear To Circular: Assessing the Legal and Business Communication Landscape for Plastic Waste Management in Lagos, Nigeria

Mohammed Ramon S., Volume 6 Issue 2, December 2025 Pages 53-60, Published: 2025-12-16

Abstract

Plastic waste is a large threat to Nigeria's environmental health and public wellbeing, requiring the transition from a linear economy towards a circular one. This paper examines the combination of policy environments and business innovation and communication strategies to drive this transition in Lagos, Nigeria's business hub. It investigates how technological and societal, and environmental objectives complement or contradict each other. To explore these issues, this research adopts a qualitative case study approach in investigating two leading startups within the circular economy: Wecyclers and Recycle Points. Data sources involved semi-structured discussions with founders and analysis of policy and company texts, and direct observation. Preliminary findings indicated that there is currently a huge implementation gap in Nigeria's plastic waste policy, which creates an uncertain environment for entrepreneurs. Both the growth of a flexible, tech-driven business model and the struggle to achieve financial viability and growth have so far featured within both startups. An identification of a serious communication gap between innovators and policymakers hinders supportive regulation from legislation and limits wider changes. The study indicated that technology alone cannot give rise to a successful transition to a circular economy; rather, it increases the need for combined efforts: boosting the circle of policy enforcement, strengthening effective business models, opening communication, and building partnerships. This paper provides practical suggestions on how to create a more connected environment wherein useful technology finds the necessary support from society to help inform other emerging economies