Minister commissions $2.9m Japan-funded waste recycling equipment.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has said that the commitment to circular economy principles in reducing waste, reusing materials, and prioritising recycling would remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s environmental agenda to ensure minimal environmental impact.

Lawal gave the assurance during the commissioning of $2.9 million Japanese government-funded waste recycling equipment at Environmental Expressions Ltd., a waste recycling company in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The equipment, Plastic Manufacturing Technology Upgrade under the UNIDO project, Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains Through Circular Practices, was in collaboration with the Japanese government.

The minister said that the fight against plastic pollution and environmental degradation was ongoing, as the nation would continue to explore innovative solutions, embrace emerging technologies, and adopt sustainable practices in all aspects of production and consumption.

In a keynote address at the occasion, Lawal said the event marked a monumental achievement in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development through technical innovation.

“Today, we are commissioning an advanced and cutting-edge plastic polyethene manufacturing technology—an innovative system that integrates revolutionary features, such as a sophisticated laser filter and an efficient sand removal mechanism, all powered by a sustainable water sachet process.

“This milestone is part of the project titled ‘Promoting Sustainable Plastics Value Chains Through Circular Economy Practices,’ which exemplifies our unwavering commitment to achieving environmental sustainability and our vision of a greener, more eco-conscious future for all Nigerians,” the minister said.

He said that though plastics have undeniably become an indispensable part of modern life—from packaging to food storage, shopping bags, and daily essentials—and have revolutionised industries worldwide, their widespread use has led to significant environmental concerns, particularly in waterways, landfills, and urban areas.

He also said that while plastic materials offered numerous economic benefits, their adverse environmental and human health impacts were undeniable.

“Nigeria, like many other nations, faces an escalating challenge in managing plastic waste. Plastics from packaging materials, food and drink containers, and shopping bags litter our cities, clog our drainage systems, and contribute to environmental hazards. Improper disposal, including open burning, releases toxic emissions that are harmful to both human health and the environment, contributing to long-term ecological damage,” Lawal noted.

According to him, the commissioning of the new technology marks a critical step toward addressing these challenges and reducing Nigeria’s environmental footprint.

“The new plastic polyethylene manufacturing system is designed to significantly enhance efficiency and improve the quality of polyethylene production. With the integration of a state-of-the-art laser filter system, this technology ensures precise filtration, leading to cleaner, high-quality products.

“Furthermore, the sand removal system, powered by water sachets, efficiently eliminates impurities, minimising waste while ensuring a cleaner production process. By utilizing water sachets in this process, we are not only improving production standards but also demonstrating an innovative approach to circular economy practices.”

The minister said the technological advancement reflected the country’s commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility, adding that the initiative was more than just an upgrade in manufacturing, as it sets a precedent for responsible, eco-friendly industrial processes that could be replicated across various sectors.

In his remarks, Mohammed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said the project was to demonstrate the benefits of adopting circular economy practices and resource-efficient production for plastic value chains in Nigeria.

Fall said that integrating circular economy principles into plastic waste management reduces plastic leakage into the environment and promotes a cleaner, greener future.

“This initiative reflects our collective commitment to tackling plastic pollution, advancing resource efficiency, and fostering sustainable industrial development in Nigeria.

“At UNIDO, we are deeply committed to supporting sustainable industrial development and effective environmental management. As part of the delivery of this project, UNIDO supported Environmental Expressions Limited, a plastic waste recycling company selected as a pilot beneficiary for this advanced recycling technology.

“This investment underscores the importance of leveraging innovation to improve production efficiency, enhance product quality, and at the same time address one of Nigeria’s most challenging plastic waste streams—water sachets and polyethylene (PE) film,” he said.

He explained that the cutting-edge equipment includes the Laser Filter System and Sand Remover System, which mark a pivotal step in optimising the recycling process, saying that those technologies would minimise production interruptions, improve raw material quality, and enhance overall operational efficiency, ensuring that more plastic waste is effectively recycled rather than ending up in dumpsites or the environment.

Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan, Hitoshi Kozaki, said his government funded the project with $2.9 million, which marked an important step forward in the joint efforts to tackle plastic pollution in Nigeria and to achieve more effective plastic waste management for sustainable development.

“Let me express my sincere appreciation to UNIDO for their excellent implementation of this project, to the Federal Ministry of Environment for their committed partnership, and to all stakeholders who have contributed to bringing us to this occasion,” he said.

Kozaki said the Laser Filter System and Sand Remover System being handed over would be an innovative initiative that supports Nigeria in handling her challenging plastic waste management, especially water sachets and polyethylene film, making recycling more efficient and effective.

“The Government of Japan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to addressing waste management challenges in Africa through the ‘Green Growth with Africa Initiative,’ announced at the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) in 2022. Furthermore, as outlined in the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision at the 2019 Osaka Summit, Japan recognises the critical importance of reducing marine plastic pollution with the ambitious goal of achieving zero new pollution by 2050,” he said.

He said his government remained committed to working hand in hand with Nigeria to co-create innovative solutions for a cleaner and more sustainable future, saying that the event would be remembered as another significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a leader in circular economy practices in Africa.

Mr. Habib Ahmed, Managing Director of Environmental Expressions Ltd., thanked UNIDO, the Japanese government, and the Federal Ministry of Environment for the project.

He said that he embarked on the recycling project 10 years ago, noting that people were running away from plastic film-producing sachet water because of the challenges involved.

Ahmed said he went around the country to get waste, especially sachets of water, for recycling.

“As a company, we go end to end. Not only do we collect this material, but we also support people from the community, from across the country. We try to collect what we can, as much as possible, take it, convert it, and produce new products. We supply the construction industry, hospitals, supermarkets, etc.,” Ahmed said.