RUWES PARTICIPATES IN THE NATIONAL PLASTIC SUMMIT 2026
The Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative participated in the National Plastic Summit 2026, held on 4 June 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, under the theme “Innovation, Inclusion & Investment for a Circular Plastics Economy in Nigeria.” The summit brought together key stakeholders from government, development partners, the private sector, financial institutions, academia, and civil society to explore practical solutions for addressing plastic pollution and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a circular plastics economy. Throughout the summit, discussions focused on strengthening **Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), promoting innovation and investment, harmonizing policies, expanding recycling infrastructure, and fostering inclusive participation—particularly for women, youth, and informal waste workers—in building a sustainable circular economy. RUWES’ participation reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing inclusive environmental sustainability through its Plastic Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, which empowers women and rural communities by transforming plastic waste into economic opportunities. The summit also provided a valuable platform for strengthening partnerships, sharing knowledge, and contributing to national efforts aimed at reducing plastic pollution while promoting green jobs, resource efficiency, and sustainable development.
COURTESY VISIT TO THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NASARAWA STATE WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SANITATION AUTHORITY (NASWAMSA)
The Rural Women Energy Security Initiative (RUWES), led by the Head of Secretariat, Mrs. Jumaima Ella, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA), Hon. Mohammed Bello Isah, to strengthen collaboration on advancing women’s empowerment through sustainable waste management, renewable energy, and circular economy initiatives in Nasarawa State. The engagement provided an opportunity for both organizations to exchange ideas on promoting innovative Waste-to-Wealth solutions that empower rural women with practical skills in plastic waste recycling, biogas production, briquette making, and other green livelihood opportunities. Discussions also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in expanding access to sustainable livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunities for women and vulnerable communities. RUWES reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to advance inclusive programmes that transform waste into economic value while contributing to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The organization also emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating opportunities that enable women to become active contributors to Nigeria’s growing green economy. Speaking during the visit, Hon. Mohammed Bello Isah commended RUWES for its dedication to women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability, noting the significant role such initiatives play in improving livelihoods, promoting responsible waste management, and supporting community development across the State. The visit further reinforced the shared commitment of RUWES and NASWAMSA to fostering impactful partnerships that drive innovation, strengthen environmental governance, and expand opportunities for rural women through sustainable development initiatives.
RUWES AT THE INCEPTION MEETING ON INTEGRATING E-COOKING INTO NIGERIA’S CLEAN COOKING POLICY
On 2nd July 2026, the Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative participated in the Inception Meeting and Stakeholder Workshop on “Integrating e-Cooking in Nigeria’s Clean Cooking Policy Implementation Plan and Funding Proposals for Implementing e-Cooking.”The workshop, convened by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment – Department of Climate Change, The Presidency – National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the Federal Ministry of Power, with support from the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) – UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The workshop sought to strengthen Nigeria’s clean cooking policy implementation, identify financing pathways, and accelerate the integration of e-Cooking solutions across the country. As part of the programme, Ms Jumaima Ella, Head of Secretariat of RUWES Initiative delivered a Goodwill Message emphasizing that clean cooking initiatives must move beyond policy discussions to practical implementation that places rural women at the centre of decision-making. She called for affordable, reliable, and accessible e-Cooking solutions, while advocating for greater investment in empowering rural women as leaders, entrepreneurs, and champions of the clean energy transition. A major milestone of the workshop was the inauguration of the Project Steering Committee, where RUWES was inaugurated as a member of the Committee, reinforcing its strategic role in supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s e-Cooking agenda in the rural and peri-urban areas. During the breakout session, RUWES contributed to discussions by stressing that the successful adoption of e-Cooking depends on three critical factors:– making e-Cooking technologies affordable for rural households– strengthening electricity access and the supporting infrastructure needed for reliable energy supply– providing continuous training and capacity-building for women to enable them to adopt, maintain, and promote clean cooking technologies within their communities. RUWES remains committed to ensuring that rural women are not only beneficiaries but active drivers of Nigeria’s clean cooking transition, promoting healthier communities, environmental sustainability, and inclusive Energy Access.
RUWES Represented at the International Day of Women in Industry 2026
Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) was represented by *Mrs. Jumaima Ella, Head of Secretariat, at the International Day of Women in Industry (IDWI) 2026, held at the UN House, Abuja, under the theme *”Women Shaping the Future of Industry.” The event, which marked the first official commemoration of the International Day of Women in Industry in Nigeria, brought together representatives from government, development partners, the private sector, academia, and civil society to celebrate the contributions of women to industrial development while promoting greater participation, leadership, and innovation across industrial sectors. The programme featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, a keynote address by Engr. Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, as well as a panel session where accomplished women leaders shared their experiences in shaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape through innovation, entrepreneurship, engineering, environmental sustainability, and the circular economy. Representing RUWES, Mrs. Jumaima Ella reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through clean energy, clean cooking solutions, waste-to-wealth initiatives, circular economy practices, and green entrepreneurship. She noted that empowering women, particularly those in rural communities, remains essential to building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient industrial future. RUWES remains committed to strengthening partnerships and supporting initiatives that expand opportunities for women and girls to participate, lead, and thrive in industries that drive sustainable development and environmental stewardship across Nigeria.
RUWES AT THE NIGERIA CIRCULAR ECONOMY WEEK 2026. 16TH – 19TH FEBRUARY 2026. LAGOS
Mrs. Jumaima Ella, Head of Secretariat, Rural Women Energy Security Initiative [RUWES] Nigeria, represented RUWES at the Nigeria Circular Economy Week 2026 held from 16th to 19th February 2026 in Abuja. As an Uptake Partner for FREEE Recycle, Mrs. Ella attended the workshop titled “Kick Starting Nigeria’s First Aerosol Can Recycling Initiative” on 17th and 18th February 2026. During the workshop she presented on 17th February and met with key stakeholders including Ms. Ifedolapo Runsewe, CEO of FREEE Recycle Ltd., Mike MacKay, Managing Director of DESPRAY Environmental, and Freek Van Eijk, CEO of Holland Circular Hotspot. Discussions focused on RUWES’ inclusion in the collection value chain for waste aerosol cans and RUWES’ role as distributor of recovered LPG gas from aerosol cans through its partnership with FREEE Recycle. RUWES proposed a model that integrates rural women into the aerosol can collection value chain by establishing women-led collection hubs, training women as aggregation agents, providing safety training, and creating incentive-based, micro-franchise systems that link waste recovery to clean energy distribution. In the networking session, CASA MicroFinance Bank Lagos, GreenHub Africa, and the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture [AWITA] indicated interest to collaborate with RUWES. RUWES is leveraging its over two million women membership base to ensure rural women are central to Nigeria’s circular economy and clean energy transition.
RUWES PARTICIPATES IN THE MULTI-STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE/WORKSHOP ON PLASTIC ACTION IN NIGERIA .
DELIBRATION ON A NATIONAL AWARENESS ON BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE CAMPAIGN STRATEGY IN NIGERIA PLASTIC ECOSYSTEM.Date: Wednesday 15th April 2026Venue: Policy Innovation Centre Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative Nigeria participated in a multi stakeholder dialogue/ workshop on plastic action in Nigeria focused on a national awareness on behavioural change campaign strategy in Nigeria plastic ecosystem. The session brought together representatives from government institutions, private sector organizations, civil society groups, development partners, and environmental experts to collectively identify priority issues and design actionable solutions that can drive sustainable impact at both grassroots and national levels. The workshop was highly interactive and structured to move beyond general discussions into practical strategy development. At the onset, participants were guided through a reflective conversation on the current realities of plastic waste management across communities, particularly highlighting the widespread presence of single-use plastics, indiscriminate disposal practices, and the low perceived value of certain categories of plastic waste. It was acknowledged that while plastics exist in different forms—recyclable and non-recyclable—the core challenge lies not only in the materials themselves but in the human behaviours associated with their usage and disposal.
THE INAUGURATION OF WASTE PICKERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (WAPAN) ADVISORY COUNCIL
On 27th April 2026, the Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative Nigeria participated in the Inauguration of the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) Advisory Council, held at the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hall, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, development partners, media, and industry actors within the waste management and circular economy ecosystem to strengthen institutional governance and promote inclusive participation in Nigeria’s evolving circular economy landscape. The Head of Secretariat of the Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative Nigeria, Mrs. Jumaima Ella, delivered a goodwill message as a special guest of honour. In her remarks, she drew attention to the lived realities of waste pickers, particularly the absence of occupational safety, lack of formal recognition, and unstable income streams. She emphasized that waste pickers are not merely informal workers but essential contributors to environmental protection and the circular economy. She further stressed the need for structured policy frameworks that recognize their contributions and provide sustainable livelihood pathways. She noted that RUWES, through its Waste to Wealth Initiative, is already empowering rural women by engaging them in plastic waste collection and recycling activities that convert waste into income-generating opportunities, thereby supporting both environmental sustainability and women’s economic empowerment. She stated that waste pickers “turn waste into wealth” and called for policy recognition to match this contribution.
TECHNICAL WORKSHOP ON THE FRAMEWORK FOR BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS IN NIGERIA
On March 26, 2026, the Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative participated in a one-day Technical Workshop on the Framework for Biodegradable Plastics in Nigeria, organized by Oando Clean Energy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment. The workshop was held at the Green Building Hall, Abuja, and brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, regulatory agencies, private sector actors, academia, and development organizations. RUWES was represented by the Head of Secretariat, Jumaima Ella.
INTERNATIONAL ZERO WASTE DAY 2026: ADVANCING FOOD WASTE REDUCTION, MINIMIZATION AND VALORIZATION
The Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative participated in the commemorationof International Zero Waste Day 2026, held on 2 April 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.The event, themed “Food Waste Reduction, Minimization and Valorization,” was organizedby the Federal Ministry of Environment in partnership with the European Union (EU) andthe United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The event brought together key stakeholders from government, development organizations, academia, the private sector, and civil society to explore innovative approaches for reducing food waste, promoting resource efficiency, and advancing circular economy solutions. A key highlight of the event was the contribution of Mrs. Jumaima Ella, Head of Secretariatof the Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative, who shared RUWES’ practicalexperiences in transforming food waste into sustainable energy solutions. During herpresentation, she highlighted the organization’s ongoing intervention at the Orange Market in Nasarawa State, where significant quantities of fruit and agricultural waste are generated daily. Mrs. Ella explained how RUWES has successfully developed and deployed biogas systemswithin the market, converting organic waste into clean and renewable energy for cooking and other productive uses. The initiative not only helps to reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions but also creates economic opportunities and improves access to affordable energy for rural women and vulnerable communities. Her presentation underscored the importance of community-driven and scalable solutions in addressing food waste challenges while contributing to climate action, sustainablelivelihoods, and the transition to a circular economy. RUWES remains committed to promoting innovative waste-to-energy solutions thatempower rural women, enhance environmental sustainability, and support Nigeria’s effortstoward achieving a zero-waste future.
RUWES at the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Inclusive Plastic Action in Nigeria
The Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative participated in the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Inclusive Plastic Action in Nigeria and the National Validation Workshop on the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Biodiversity, held in Abuja. The event featured a Welcome Address by Mrs. Falmata Kolo of the Federal Ministry of Environment and an Opening Remark by Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). RUWES was represented by the Head of Secretariat, Mrs. Jumaima Ella, who highlighted the urgent need for capacity building for women in the plastic value chain, especially collectors, sorters, and recyclers who face safety, income, and skill challenges. RUWES also shared key contributions to national plastic action, including the Plastic Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, direct off-take partnerships, the Nasarawa Plastic Collection Centre, technology training for women, and the commissioning of a Smart Toilet Facility in Orange Market, Mararaba to support hygiene and pollution reduction.RUWES remains committed to promoting inclusive, gender-responsive, and community-driven solutions for a sustainable plastic ecosystem and cleaner environment in Nigeria