How Omoh Alokwe built a business by betting on waste 

In a world grappling with mounting waste and environmental strain, Omoh Alokwe, co-founder of Street Waste Company Limited, is charting a different path, one where discarded materials are not the end of a lifecycle, but the beginning of a new opportunity.

Omoh is a visionary entrepreneur who is redefining what many consider worthless through innovation, resilience, and a keen eye for value, and is transforming waste into wealth while contributing to a more sustainable future.

A professional master’s degree holder in Environmental Management from the University of Lagos, is a sustainability professional with over 10 years of experience in circular economy, waste recycling, environmental management, and environmental and social safeguards.

Speaking on what inspired her to venture into the waste management business, Omoh said, “We once had flooding in our home because a nearby canal was blocked with waste. That moment made the problem very real for me, and I became determined to be part of the solution.

“It pushed me to start educating people on better waste management and the role recycling can play. As I looked more closely, I saw how widespread the issue was across many communities, but also the opportunity within it. I wanted to build something that tackles the environmental challenge while also creating jobs and improving livelihoods.”

According to Omoh, the business growth has been steady and intentional. “We started with a basic collection of recyclables, then moved into aggregation and baling. Over time, we expanded into offering services and circular economy initiatives for organisations, while building more structured recycling systems.

“We’ve also developed strong partnerships with stakeholders such as FBRA, LAWMA, LAGRA, manufacturers, and regulators. Along the way, we’ve grown our user base and improved how we operate by integrating digital tools into our processes.”

Street Waste Company, with over 50 individuals across its operations, stands out among its competitors because of its integrated approach to business. She emphasised that the firm does not just collect waste, but is building an ecosystem.

“From community engagement to data tracking using QR codes, to converting waste into energy and reusable materials, we focus on the full value chain.

“We also prioritise low-income communities, ensuring our solutions are inclusive and accessible,” she said.

Omoh believes that Nigeria presents both challenges and opportunities in the waste management ecosystem, emphasising that the regulatory landscape can be complex, and infrastructure gaps exist, but the demand for sustainable solutions is growing rapidly.

“Opportunities lie in recycling infrastructure, waste-to-energy, and circular economy innovations. There’s also increasing interest from investors and development partners in climate-focused enterprises,” she noted.

On her strategy to survive the accelerating inflation, she said, “We’ve had to be very deliberate about how we operate, so our focus has been on efficiency and collaboration.

“We’ve worked on tightening our logistics planning routes better, reducing fuel use, and making sure collections are more predictable. Internally, we’ve also cut down on waste in our own processes by improving sorting, storage, and material handling so nothing valuable is lost.”

The waste management expert revealed that her firm’s expansion plans are focused on deepening its presence and strengthening its value chain.

“On one hand, we are working to extend our community-based model into more locations, especially underserved areas where waste collection systems are still limited.

“The goal is to bring structured recycling and awareness closer to people, while creating more opportunities for livelihoods within those communities,” she emphasised.

Like every other thing in life, Omoh noted that the major challenges faced by the company since its commencement is funding, especially in the early stages.

“We’ve also had to deal with low public awareness around waste segregation, inconsistent policy enforcement, and operational hurdles like logistics and infrastructure,” she said.  

To mitigate these challenges, she emphasised that the company adopted a proactive approach, engaging communities through education, building strong partnerships, and continuously adapting our model.

Omoh encourages young entrepreneurs to stay resilient and be clear about their purpose.

“Building a business, especially in a challenging environment, requires patience and adaptability. Focus on solving real problems, build strong networks, and don’t be afraid to start small. Over time, consistency and impact will speak for themselves,” she said.