Circular Economic Development Model Advocacy: An Integrated Model Solution of Biofil Technologies Nigeria Limited for Economic Development (A Pilot Study of the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in Rivers State, Nigeria)

ABSTRACT: Nigeria faces growing challenges of waste mismanagement, environmental pollution, infrastructural decay, and inadequate sustainable waste treatment systems, particularly within public institutions such as custodial centres. This study advocates the adoption of a circular economic development model using the Biofil Technologies Nigeria Limited (BTNL) integrated waste-to-resource and wealth system as a practical solution for sustainable institutional development. The study specifically examined the effectiveness of the BTNL system in converting human and organic waste into useful resources, assessed its environmental and economic benefits, examined its social and rehabilitative impacts, and identified barriers to its wider adoption in Nigeria. A qualitative case study design was adopted, focusing on the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in Rivers State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to select 10–15 key stakeholders comprising facility administrators, environmental and maintenance officers, selected inmates, and representatives of BTNL. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, while thematic analysis was used for data interpretation. Findings revealed that the BTNL system effectively transformed human and organic waste into biogas, reusable water, and organic fertilizer, while improving sanitation and reducing waste-related challenges. The system also generated economic benefits through reduced energy costs and provided inmates with vocational skills and environmental awareness, thereby contributing to rehabilitation and employability. However, limited government support, inadequate investment, weak policy frameworks, poor maintenance culture, and insufficient technical capacity were identified as major barriers to wider implementation. The study concludes that the BTNL circular economic model offers a practical, environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially transformative approach to public infrastructure development in Nigeria. It recommends stronger policy integration, capacity building, financial incentives, public-private partnerships, and replication of the model across other custodial centres and public institutions.

KEYWORDS: Circular Economy, Biofil Technologies, Waste-to-Resource, Biogas, Sustainable Development, Correctional Centre, Green Technology