The Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has assured the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) of its commitment towards circular economy in the management of plastic waste in Nigeria.
Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari, disclosed this at the unveiling of Plastic Revised Vending Machine at the National Assembly complex aimed at kick-starting the fight against plastic pollution nation-wide.
The minister revealed that the vending machines are a cutting-edge solutions in waste management where individuals deposit bottles and other recyclable materials and earn financial reward in return.
Lawal also noted that beyond the environmental impact, the machine will promote the concept of circular economy for cleaner communities and economic opportunities for the citizens.
The minister disclosed that the machine was donated to the National Assembly in order to strengthen partnership and effective collaboration between the two arms of government and members being the representatives of all Nigerians.
He urged members to donate similar machines to their constituencies to create jobs for the youth and safeguard their environment.
The Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Julius Pondi, and his colleagues pledged their unalloyed support towards the effective management of the machine.
The UNIDO National Programme Officer, Dr. Osuji Otiu, in his goodwill message, stated that the vending machine is a Nigerian made product and urged the scale-up of the project for the effective management of plastic waste in country.
The Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, who represented the Permanent Secretary, in her opening remarks, thanked the UNIDO for supporting the ministry in combating plastic waste.
She stated that the NASS complex was carefully and deliberately chosen for the unveiling being the symbol of unity as well as members being the representatives of all Nigerians.
Mr. Emeka Okechukwu from Ecobarter Technologies demonstrated the functionality of the machine during the official ceremony.
