The Minister of Environment, Malami Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has taken the campaign against plastic pollution to the National Assembly complex, Abuja.

Speaking while commissioning of plastic waste reverse vending machine held on Wednesday, he explained that the initiative underlined his commitment to ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Nigeria.

The Minister explained that the reverse vending machines remain a cutting-edge solution in waste management that allows individuals to deposit bottles and other recyclable materials, receiving a reward in return.

He explained that the simple yet powerful technology encourages proper waste disposal and creates a culture of recycling, where each citizen can actively participate in protecting the environment.

The Minister posited that beyond its environmental impact, the machine promotes the concept of circular economy.

He noted that instead of plastic ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans, it re-enters the production cycle, reducing the demand for new resources and minimizing the ecological footprint.

He contended that the country stands to benefit from cleaner communities, with fewer plastics littering streets and waterways, with economic opportunities where jobs are created and local industries boosted.

The Minister listed other benefits to include increased public awareness where it fosters the mindset of responsibility and sustainability, especially for future generations.

The permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari disclosed that the initiative is being implemented by the Ministry in collaboration with UNIDO with the funding from the Government of Japan.

He expressed confidence that the initiative will serve as a model for other parts of the country, demonstrating the effectiveness of the technological solutions in addressing environmental challenges.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Mr. Julius Pondi, expressed gratitude to the ministry, UNIDO and the government of Japan for the gesture.