Victor EzejaConcerned by the rising global concern about the threat of environmental degradation, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Coca-Cola Foundation have jointly invested a total of $4 million in plastic waste management in Nigeria.
This impactful initiative tagged Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity (NPSA) which was launched on Wednesday 8 May 2024 is set to tackle the critical challenge of plastic waste management in Nigeria through innovative recycling solutions.
Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental concern globally, and Nigeria is no exception. With an estimated 2.5 million metric tons of plastic waste generated annually, there is an urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate its impact on the environment and public health.
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According to a statement from the US Mission Nigeria Public Affairs section, the primary objective of the NPSA is to recover approximately 49,000 metric tons of plastic waste in Nigeria while upscaling the collection capacity of over 24 aggregators and 9,500 collectors. In addition, the program aims to create over 10,000 green jobs, driving circularity in plastic waste management and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.
Speaking at the during the launch event on Wednesday, USAID Mission Director Melissa Jones said: “In addition to improving the environment, plastic collection, sorting, aggregating, processing and manufacturing offers employment opportunities. Small and medium scale enterprises and entry-level and semi-skilled workers particularly stand to benefit from this new value chain.”
On his part, U.S. Consul General Will Stevens highlighted the United States Government’s commitment to the new project. “By incentivizing recycling as a means of averting plastic pollution, we protect the planet, create jobs, empower youth and other marginalized groups, and foster sustainable development. We must persist in collaborating, innovating, and implementing solutions to address this urgent issue. Together, we can build a future where plastics are no longer a threat to our planet but a valuable resource managed responsibly and utilized for the benefit of future generations,” he remarked.
Also speaking at the event, President of the Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg the Foundation places a priority on helping communities become more sustainable by supporting innovative collection and recycling solutions at a local level.
“We hope this new program in Nigeria serves as a catalyst to drive increased collection and recycling rates as we collectively work towards a more sustainable society, one community at a time,” Madsbjerg added.
In his keynote address, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokyo Wahab underscored the need to take serious the task of waste management: “Our policy and advocacy efforts present a paradigm shift on Plastic Waste. We can no longer view it as a disposable commodity; rather, it must be regarded as resource demanding responsible stewardship. We cannot shy away from this responsibility; we must confront it head-on with resolve and determination,” Wahab stated.
The launch marks a significant milestone in collective efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable development in Nigeria. Implemented by global non-profit organisation, TechnoServe, the partnership underscores the USAID and the Coca-Cola Foundation’s commitment to drive positive change and build a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
