AEPB, UNIDO Commence Construction of Pilot Waste Recycling Plant in Abuja

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have commenced construction of pilot waste recycling plant in Jabi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The plant when completed will be managed by a leading waste management company, Chanja Datti.

The pilot project is inline with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Chief Financial Officer Chanja Datti, Mr. Kehinde Olusola, disclosed this yesterday at an event to herald construction of the 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 inline with Chanja Datti’s 10th year anniversary and commitment towards environmental sustainability in Nigeria. 

Olusola further stressed that Chanja Datti remains committed to help build 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’ll be having our 10th anniversary. So it’s part of the effort, in the last 10 years, we’ve 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 for this project, to manage this project.”

He added that, “Today we are here to handover 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 when the civil work of the site is completed, UNIDO will provide equipment which will be used for 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 this project in Lagos and Abuja, so the Abuja pilot is working in Jabi while the Lagos pilot will be done in Lekki and Yaba that is currently ongoing.”

Director AEPB, 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.