Plastic Waste Management: FCTA, Environment Ministry Launch Ecobarter Machine

By: Oji Moses

The FCT Administration in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment has launched an Ecobarter Plastic Waste Reverse Vending Machine, (RVM), to assist in the control and management of plastic waste in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Ecobarter, an indigenous fabricated plastic waste vending technology, funded by Japan through UNIDO was launched at the premises of the United Nations House, Abuja, Friday.

Accordingly, the machine, which will be managed by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), is an ingenious machine meant to assist in proper disposal of plastic waste, cans and bottles; cutting down pollution and at the same time promote circular economy by earning stipends while disposing plastic waste through it.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the volume of plastic waste generated in Nigeria, if well managed, can be a source of earning livelihood for many citizens.

His words: “The increasing volume of plastic waste generated in the country presents unique opportunities for harnessing circular economy business models across the plastic value chain, which can lead to job and wealth creation; establishment of micro, small and medium scale enterprises that stimulate private sector involvement including foreign direct investment.”

Lawal added, “it is in recognition of these opportunities that the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the FCT Administration through its agency, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and other critical stakeholders have taken proactive measures to promote circular economy principles and practices through the provision of the Reverse Vending Machines in the Federal Capital Territory geared towards achieving zero waste objective”.

According to him, the RVM offers several advantages, one of which is their contribution to recycling efforts and enabling efficient collection of recyclable materials, thereby, reducing the need for raw materials to produce new containers.

Earlier, the Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Engineer Osilama Braimah, who was represented at the occasion by the Director of Environmental Conservation of the Board, Hajia Zainab Umar, said the gathering is a celebration of significant milestone in a collective journey towards a cleaner and a more sustainable environment.

Braimah said the commissioning and launch of the Reverse Vending Machines of plastic waste marks a pivotal step in ‘our commitment to tackling the pressing issue of plastic waste in Abuja and beyond.’

The AEPB Director lauded that the on-going pilot project with UNIDO in promoting sustainable plastic value chain through circular economy practices in Jabi, Abuja.

Braimah charged all stakeholders on the need to work together as the problem of plastic pollution is a collective one.

“As we mark this new chapter, let us all remember that the fight against plastic pollution requires a united effort. We all have to come together to make a difference to turn waste into opportunity and ensuring a healthier, cleaner environment for all of us now and in the future,” the Director said.

He thanked all the development partners like the Japanese government, UNIDO, the Federal Ministry of Environment and among other partners from the private sector that have indeed invested in the future; saying the vending machine produced by Ecobarter is truly inspiring and shows Nigeria can break through in technology to become self-reliant.

Similarly, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, reminded all partners on the need to lay a solid foundation for vibrant and sustainable economic growth based on public and private partnership in the region.

Matsunaga expressed his gratitude to all partners and stakeholders in making the project a reality; stressing, ‘as we move forward, let us continue to work together to achieve our shared goals for a cleaner and more sustainable environment.’