In a significant step toward improving environmental sustainability and waste management, the Federal Government of Nigeria and United Nations Industrial Developmental Organisation (UNIDO) have officially commissioned new state-of-the-art Plastics Waste Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) under the UNIDO Project “Promoting sustainable plastic value chains through circular economy practices”.
The event was held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
While welcoming guests to the event, Mr. Osuji Otu, National Programme Officer, UNIDO Regional Office Hub, Nigeria and ECOWAS, stated that Plastics waste continues to be a major environmental and social problem in many countries. Hence, its management has become a major topic for policy makers, researchers, business owners and innovators.
“Today is a special day for us at UNIDO as it marks the beginning of something new in Nigeria and Africa’s environment and industrial sectors. This event marks the automation of waste collection in Nigeria. The project began in December 2022 with a unique implementation model involving collaboration between the Federal and State Governments (including the FCT), the organized private sector and the United Nations represented by UNIDO.
I am confident that the installation of these machines at strategic places across the city, will significantly reduce plastic waste littering our streets. These machines will also encourage recycling and make a visible impact on the cleanliness and sustainability of our urban areas” he added.
The RVM equipment offers several advantages, one of which is contribution to recycling efforts. The machine enables the efficient collection of recyclable materials, reducing the need for raw materials to produce new containers.
On the overview of the project, Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, National Programme Coordinator, UNIDO Regional Office Hub affirmed that the RVM equipment not only represents an investment in the city’s future but also sets a new standard for efficient, eco-friendly waste management. He expressed confidence that the equipment will help minimize waste, lower emissions, and encourage recycling among our residents.
Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister of Environment in his keynote address said the commissioning event comes at a critical time as the city grapples with increasing waste generation due to population growth and urbanization. The Reverse Vending Machines are part of a larger initiative to promote a circular economy and cleaner environment.
“I am especially pleased to announce that these machines are locally fabricated, underscoring the commitment to supporting local innovation and manufacturing. I am confident that the installation of these machines at strategic places across the city, will significantly reduce plastic waste littering our streets. These machines will also encourage recycling and make a visible impact on the cleanliness and sustainability of our urban areas”.
Environmental experts have praised the move, emphasizing the long-term benefits it will bring to both the community and the environment. According to Rafat Ahmed, an environmentalist,
“This equipment commissioned today marks a huge increase in how we handle waste as it represents a key opportunity to reduce the environmental pollution, promote waste to wealth, and encourage recycling across the city”.
The Plastics Waste Reverse Vending Machine commissioning was witnessed by environmental stakeholders, relevant partners, researchers, government officials and Non-Governmental Organisations.