In an effort to stop plastic pollution in the Niger Delta region and beyond, TotalEnergies, the United Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have set up 1,000 tonnes plastic recycling plant in Elelenwo community in Obio/Akpor council of Rivers State.
The Assistant General Secretary, United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR, Mr. Nikhil Seth, speaking during the commissioning of the plant yesterday, said the Niger Delta is a coastal region where plastics, in addition to oil spill, pollute the environment.
Seth, represented by Senior Consultant of UNITAR, Lawrence Boms, said the aim of the project was to gather and put the plastics in value chain by creating jobs, empowering the people and reducing environmental waste.
He said: “Environmental pollution is a concern to us all, we will continue to do our best to stop it.”
Also, The Managing Director of Total Energies, Mr. Mike Sangster, said the project would produce more energy with fewer emissions, bring development to the people and the nation at large.
He said: “Our objective is to develop a sustainable model where local entrepreneurs will be empowered, trained and supported to run the business, thereby supporting local enterprise while promoting sustainable waste management in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, which calls for sustainable consumption and production patterns”.
“We all know how common plastics have become, we see them everywhere. However, if not properly managed, plastic has great tendency to end up in our rivers or oceans and constitute threat to the environment, especially in developing countries. Prevention at source is vital and recycling best supports the circular economy model.”
Sangster said partnering with UNITAR was part of its sustainability strategy.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, challenged the private sector to key into the project and replicate same to tackle marine pollution and plastic wastes on the ocean.
Ikeazor, represented by the Director, Pollution Control, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Olubumi Olusanya, said government has “created the enabling environment to promote circular economy such as this, for waste reduction, recycling and converting wastes to wealth, through incentives and policies.”
Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, (NAPIMS), Bala Wunti, said there was a poor culture of waste management in the country, leading to about 80 per cent of wastes ending up in dumpsites.
Represented by the Manager, Efficiency and Planning, NAPIMS, Mrs. Olukanmi Adetutu, Wunti said the plant was birthed to bring lasting solution to the challenge of plastic wastes.
Also, the traditional ruler of Elelenwo community, Eze Sunny Weli Chukwu, assured there would be no form of disturbance from the host community, saying that the community wants developmental programmes and projects that would bring about employment, scholarships, education of their youths.
