Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who disclosed this at the commissioning of the machines in Abuja, stated that although plastics are integral to modern society due to their wide range of uses and economic benefits, they come with significant negative consequences, particularly to human health and natural ecosystem.
Lawal expressed concern over the increasing quantum of plastic waste in the environment from packaging to food and drink storage, as well as shopping bags as they litter the environment, block drainage systems and contribute to flash floods. He added that when burned or incinerated, it releases toxic gases that have devastating effects on both human health and the environment.
The minister observed that the increasing volume of plastic waste generated presents unique opportunities for harnessing circular economy business models across the plastic value chain, which can lead to job/ wealth creation, and the establishment of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises that stimulate private sector involvement, including foreign direct investment.
He noted that installing vending machines at strategic places across the city will significantly reduce plastic waste littering on streets and encourage recycling, as well as make a visible impact on the cleanliness and sustainability of urban areas.
The minister explained that the RVMs procured under the project “Promoting Sustainable Plastics Value Chains through Circular Economy practices”, were locally fabricated, underscoring governments’ commitment to supporting local innovation and manufacturing.
Lawal noted that the Government of Japan funded a study in 2021 on Available Sustainable Alternative Materials for Plastic Innovative Packaging and Recycling Technologies that Meet Market Needs in Africa to Reduce Plastic Leakages to the Environment in Nigeria.
He added that the study revealed a low level of recycling activities in the country.
According to him, the study showed that only 45 per cent of waste is collected, while 80 per cent of plastic waste goes to dumpsites, and ocean, while less than 10 per cent is recycled. The minister observed that the project will not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also foster a culture of sustainability and innovation in our country.
Lawal stated that the machines offer several advantages as they enable the efficient collection of recyclable materials, and reduce the need for raw materials to produce new containers.
He said: “We see great opportunities already in the food and beverage industry given the interest of our vibrant youths in waste management. RVMs are conveniently installed in public locations such as grocery stores, shopping malls, schools, and parks, making them easily accessible to the public.
“RVMs provide incentives that benefit businesses, the environment and recyclers. For instance, stores with RVMS can offer store-specific incentives such as coupons, encouraging customers who enjoy recycling through the RVM to come back regularly to recycle and shop.”
The minister lauded UNIDO and the Government of Japan for their unwavering support to Nigeria in addressing numerous environmental challenges, particularly plastic pollution.
Also speaking, the National Programme Officer, UNIDO Regional Office Hub, Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Osuji Otu, said that the event marked the automation of waste collection in Nigeria, adding that plastic waste has continued to be a major environmental and social problem in many countries, adding that the manufacturing and usage of new plastic materials are still growing at an exponential rate.
Otu who commended the Ambassador and the Government of Japan for their financial contribution towards the implementation of the project, explained that the project began in 2022 with the implementation model involving collaboration between the federal and state governments (including the FCT), the organised private sector and the United Nations.
In his remarks, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyochi Matsunaga, said the initiative is part of efforts to promote sustainable plastic barrier change and mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste.
He said Japan recognises the importance of reducing plastic waste pollution and achieving zero new pollution by 2050 and expressed its commitment to addressing the pressing need of waste management to address waste management in Africa
