BuyScrap Nigeria has emerged as the winner for the Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea from the Sustainable Enterprise Challenge Programme (TSECP), sponsored by the British Council and Prince’s Trust International (PTI) and implemented by Nerdzfactory.

The award was conferred on the company on Friday, March 18, 2024, at the Sustainable Enterpise Challenge program final event and pitch competition at the Zone Event Center, Gbagada, Lagos.

The program trained 56 participants for four weeks on the skills needed to run successful, sustainable businesses. Out of the participants, 16 finalists were chosen, and eight winners were awarded N250,000 each.

Among the winners were BuyScrap Nigeria for the Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea; Blue Sands Stem Labs for the Most Innovative Business Idea; Mee Best Foods for the Most Societally Friendly Business Idea; Hems to Fit for the Most Profitable Business Idea; Ecodey Management Resources for the Most Environmentally Friendly Business Idea; Eco Feet, a PlastiBuild company, for the Most Business Idea; Suss Flow for the Most Societally Friendly Business Idea; and Cartle Technology for the Most Profitable Business Idea.

Receiving the award on behalf of the company, Founder, Buyscrap Nigeria, Ndaman Joshua Olayinka, said: “As a key player in the recycling industry, this award is in recognition of our innovative idea in the fields of environmental sustainability and combating climate change through circular economy.”

“Our commitment is to build a company that will make a positive impact on the environment and our host communities.

Nigeria struggles to safeguard its people from environmental health concerns that include poor air quality, heavy metals, sanitary conditions, unsafe drinking water, and waste management.

It is within this context that BuyScrap Nigeria is working with social enterprises and local recycling companies with a focus on the circular economy to deal with waste such as plastic waste and contribute towards improving Nigeria’s environmental sustainability performance.

He further thanked the sponsors and implementing partners for the N250,000 grant awarded to his company and promised to use the fund to expand and grow the business.

Also speaking at the event in Lagos, the British Council Country Director, Ms. Lucy Pearson, said the UK supported the competition to help Nigeria’s booming young population navigate growing economic disadvantages.

According to her, the initiative was targeted at providing young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed as entrepreneurs.

She said, “The aim was to create positive pathways for young people in their communities and to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.”

Ms. Pearson commended the commitment of Nerdz Factory Company Limited for successfully implementing this project in Lagos, one of the three pilot states.

Also Read: Buyscrap Nigeria Secures a Spot in Lagos Innovates Idea Hub Incubation Program

Speaking on behalf of the Founding Partner of Nerdzfactory Company, Mr. Ade Olowojoba, Mr. Matthew Ozigbo, a business partner, expressed enthusiasm about the competition and the impactful partnership the organization has with the British Council and PTI.

He said the goal of the scheme is to significantly impact youth entrepreneurship, job creation, and skill development, empowering individuals.