NIGERIA’S CIRCULAR ECONOMY PROJECT RECEIVES $2M INVESTMENT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) the Government of Japan in Nigeria have collaborated to bolster Nigeria’s Circular Economy project with a two million dollars investment.

A circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products such as plastics without leakage into the natural environment.

The three-year project, which commenced in 2022 and expected to end in 2024, would be integrated into the implementation plan of plastic value chain in Nigeria.

National Programme Coordinator of UNIDO, Mr Oluyomi Banjo stated this in Abuja at an Awareness Public Seminar on Plastic Circular Economy, organised by UNIDO and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

The programme which ran with the theme “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains Through Circular Economy Practices” is targeted at boosting Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable industrial development to reduce leakages of plastics to the environment through the entrenchment of circular economic principles and practices into the Nigeria system.

On modalities for the collection of plastic wastes, Banjo said: “When these plastics are not collected from source but from dumpsites, streets or markets, it reduces their economic value in the sense that it increases the cost at which they are processed to be put back into the environment.

“But if they are collected at source, the contamination level will be very minimal and they can be recycled especially for food. For instance, companies like Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries and Cadbury can still reuse the waste bottles they can buy from recyclers and package food.”

He stated that UNIDO is exploring the model and one of the activities under the model is to collect plastics from the source.

The UNIDO official hinted that for a circular economy to be successful, it requires the collaboration of collectors, manufacturers and the residents, just as he appreciated the FCTA for the support extended towards the implementation of the project.

He stated that AEPB is working assiduously to develop the Action Plan for Abuja and Jabi lake was selected for the pilot demonstration.

Banjo hinted that Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have also selected Lekki and Yaba respectively for the pilot demonstrations in Lagos.

Banjo was hopeful that the project would extend across the country’s 36 States in the next five years.

In his remarks, UNIDO regional director, Nigeria and ECOWAS, Jean Bakole who was represented by Dr Osuji Otu, pointed out that plastics and other e-wastes are global issues that the United Nations is trying to sort out with other bodies.

He noted that UNIDO is excited working with three agencies like the AEPB, LAWMA and LASEPA, and the project is advancing at encouraging rate.

He hinted that UNIDO is optimistic about the project on plastic waste in Nigeria, which he believed would create wealth in the country.

The Project Manager of UNIDO, Ms. Nahomi Nishio said the Seminar, which focused majorly on raising awareness for plastic pollution would minimise waste on the environment.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) the Government of Japan in Nigeria have collaborated to bolster Nigeria’s Circular Economy project with a two million dollars investment.

A circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products such as plastics without leakage into the natural environment.

The three-year project, which commenced in 2022 and expected to end in 2024, would be integrated into the implementation plan of plastic value chain in Nigeria.

National Programme Coordinator of UNIDO, Mr Oluyomi Banjo stated this in Abuja at an Awareness Public Seminar on Plastic Circular Economy, organised by UNIDO and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

The programme which ran with the theme “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains Through Circular Economy Practices” is targeted at boosting Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable industrial development to reduce leakages of plastics to the environment through the entrenchment of circular economic principles and practices into the Nigeria system.

On modalities for the collection of plastic wastes, Banjo said: “When these plastics are not collected from source but from dumpsites, streets or markets, it reduces their economic value in the sense that it increases the cost at which they are processed to be put back into the environment.

“But if they are collected at source, the contamination level will be very minimal and they can be recycled especially for food. For instance, companies like Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries and Cadbury can still reuse the waste bottles they can buy from recyclers and package food.”

He stated that UNIDO is exploring the model and one of the activities under the model is to collect plastics from the source.

The UNIDO official hinted that for a circular economy to be successful, it requires the collaboration of collectors, manufacturers and the residents, just as he appreciated the FCTA for the support extended towards the implementation of the project.

He stated that AEPB is working assiduously to develop the Action Plan for Abuja and Jabi lake was selected for the pilot demonstration.

Banjo hinted that Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have also selected Lekki and Yaba respectively for the pilot demonstrations in Lagos.

Banjo was hopeful that the project would extend across the country’s 36 States in the next five years.

In his remarks, UNIDO regional director, Nigeria and ECOWAS, Jean Bakole who was represented by Dr Osuji Otu, pointed out that plastics and other e-wastes are global issues that the United Nations is trying to sort out with other bodies.

He noted that UNIDO is excited working with three agencies like the AEPB, LAWMA and LASEPA, and the project is advancing at encouraging rate.

He hinted that UNIDO is optimistic about the project on plastic waste in Nigeria, which he believed would create wealth in the country.

The Project Manager of UNIDO, Ms. Nahomi Nishio said the Seminar, which focused majorly on raising awareness for plastic pollution would minimise waste on the environment.
Lamenting excessive use of plastics, she stated that it is devastating the planet as seen in the oceans, seas and lakes, and that it endangers the lives of aquatic animals and plants.

The Assistant Director of Solid Waste Management, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Dangiwa Orume disclosed that plastic pollution has been endangering the ecosystem, marine life and contributing to the menacing impact of climate change.

“The concept of a plastic circular economy has gained significant traction in recent years. The idea behind a circular economy is to minimise waste and maximise the value of resources by keeping materials in use as long as possible.

“It involves recycling, reusing and reducing the consumption of plastics, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future,” he added.

Orume harped on the need to support initiatives and businesses that are working towards a circular economy by purchasing products made from recycled plastics or supporting companies that are committed to sustainable practices.

This, he believed would encourage the transition to a more environmentally friendly system.

The expert pointed out that by raising awareness on the importance of plastic circular economy, the stakeholders are not only protecting the environment but also fostering a mindset of responsible consumption that would benefit all Nigerians.