The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have started the construction of a pilot waste recycling plant in Jabi,the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A leading waste management company, Chanja Datti.will manage the plan when completed.
The pilot project is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Chief Financial Officer Chanja Datti, Mr. Kehinde Olusola disclosed this recently during the flag off of the project at its site by the contractor, FEM-FASH Global Resources Ltd.
Olusola said Chanja Datti was selected by AEPB-UNIDO to fund, manage and operate the facility after the construction in 30 days.
He said the event is in line with Chanja Datti’s 10th year anniversary and commitment towards environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Olusola stressed that Chanja Datti remains committed to building a safer and healthier sustainable environment for all.
He said, “Chanja Datti has been a big player in the recycling business, and next month, we will be having our 10th anniversary. So it’s part of the effort. In the last 10 years, we have been passionate about environmental sustainability, and we are still investing more into sustainability. And that’s why we have been considered by AEPB and UNIDO to construct and manage this project.”
He added, “Today we are here to hand over the construction of the AEPB and UNIDO pilot recycling center here in Jabi to the hands of the contractor. we have accepted to undertake the construction, though we are going to recoup the fund back.”
UNIDO Project Field Coordinator, Mr. Charles Uzoma said that when the civil work of the site is completed, UNIDO will provide equipment that will be used for the collection of plastics within the district.
He said, “We are piloting plastic recycling in Jabi district in collaboration with Abuja Environmental Protection Board and Chanja Datti Company Ltd. So when we finish the civil works of this site.”
Uzoma disclosed that UNIDO will be providing equipment which will be used for collection of plastics within the district, adding, “And then when it comes here it will be further processed, either bailed or crushed and then sent to processing centres.”
According to him, “this is the first of its kind in Abuja and it signals a collaboration between the government and the private sector, being the AEPB and Chanja Datti.
“And of course, this project is funded by the government of Japan. They are funding a similar one in Lagos and Abuja, so the Abuja pilot is working in Jabi while the Lagos pilot will be done in Lekki and Yaba and are currently ongoing”,he added.
The AEPB Director, Engr. Braimah Osilama represented by the Director Solid Waste Management, Mr. Benjamin Enwerem, commended UNIDO for initiating the project.
He said the project will help to reduce plastic pollution, which affects health and contributes to flooding and other urban issues.
