Ogun partners UK’s Manufacturing Africa, Hinckley Recycling to create 90k jobs

The Ogun state government says its partnership with the UK government’s Manufacturing Africa programme will create 90,000 jobs over the next seven years.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sola Arobieke, deputy director-general of the Ogun investment promotion and facilitation agency (OgunInvest), said the initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen the state’s industrial sector and attract foreign direct investment.

She said the partnership is a major step towards revitalising the state’s manufacturing sector and positioning Ogun as a top industrial hub in West Africa.

“The partnership with Manufacturing Africa will play a crucial role in supporting Ogun’s industrial development and advancing manufacturing capabilities,” Arobieke said.

“This initiative is expected to create 90,000 jobs over the next seven years across Africa, with Ogun State positioned to benefit significantly from this employment boom.”

The collaboration also involves a key partnership with Hinckley E-Waste Recycling Ltd, a pioneering leader in electronic waste management, to establish the first lithium-ion and lead-acid battery recycling and treatment plant in Africa.

“Hinckley Recycling became the first government-approved e-waste recycler in Nigeria in 2016, and their expansion into Ogun marks a significant milestone,” she said.

“This $5 million investment in the first year will not only create 100 direct jobs but also utilise patented recycling technology developed by Solveteq in collaboration with Imperial College London.

“The introduction of UK-patented battery recycling technology will elevate Ogun State’s industrial landscape, establishing the state as a technological leader in battery recycling across Africa.”

She said the new recycling facility will promote sustainable e-waste management, help reduce environmental pollution, and safeguard public health.

“By promoting responsible e-waste recycling practices, Ogun State will mitigate the risks of lead poisoning and child labour, particularly in the informal recycling sector,” she said.

“Their innovative approach aligns with global best practices in electronic waste management and will have a lasting positive impact on the environment.

“The partnership with Hinckley will also directly result in the creation of 100 jobs through the establishment of the lithium-ion and lead-acid battery recycling facility.”

The collaboration will be officially unveiled at a joint press conference on Wednesday, September 18.

Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, and Dapo Okubadejo, Ogun atate’s chief economic adviser, are expected to attend the event.