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FG, Japan, Others Unveil Study To End Plastic Waste Pollution
The Federal Government, in alliance with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), yesterday, unveiled a study that will solve the problem of plastic waste pollution in Nigeria by providing innovative packaging and recycling technologies and alternative materials to plastics.
The research project titled, “Nigeria’s Study on Available Technologies that Meet the Need in Africa to Reduce Plastic Leakages to the Environment” was executed by the UNIDO and funded by Japan.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, said the new study was part of government’s numerous actions to address the challenges of plastic wastes in the country in a holistic and sustainable manner by delivering alternatives to drive investment and sustainable development.
“Plastic pollution has become one of the gravest environmental problems confronting the global community with impact transcending national, regional and international boundaries.
“Nigeria, with a population of about 200million people generates about 1.5million tons of plastic waste every year of which less than 10 percent is recycled. The problem of plastics pollution in the country is exacerbated by inadequate waste management infrastructure, poor behavioural attitude, unskilled waste collection workforce, indeterminate dumping and burning of plastics wastes, poor awareness, inadequate funding etc.
“It is against this background that we welcome this particular study on available sustainable alternative materials to plastics” Abubakar disclosed.
The minister recalled that the Project Steering Committee, which comprised various MDAs, States Environmental Agencies, Developmental partners, the Academia and NGOs was inaugurated in February, 2020.
He commended that despite the pandemic, the committee was able to deliver successfully on time.
Also speaking, Japan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reiterated the country’s commitment to assisting and supporting Nigeria and other African countries in tackling the issue of plastic waste pollution and management.
He said plastic waste pollution was a global problem and it was comforting to see the Nigerian government and other stakeholders taking actions to end the menace.
In his remarks, the UNIDO Country Representative and Regional Director for West Africa, Mr Jean Bakole said, “UNIDO-Japan multi-stakeholder Cooperation Dialogue is held twice in a year. The 2019 Japan Presidency for G20 Osaka Summit prioritized the global marine litter challenge and aims to implement concerted action.
At the G20 Osaka Summit Held in 2019.
“Osaka Blue Ocean Vision” to reduce additional pollution by marine plastic litre to zero by 2050 was shared. It was then announced at the summit that Japan will support developing countries’ efforts including their capacity building and infrastructure development in the area of waste management including plastic waste.”
According to Bankole, the study which was conducted in Lagos and Abuja would open up a lot of opportunities in legal and regulatory frameworks, technologically, administratively and financially.
He added that the research would promote a circular economy from plastics to the Nigerian economy.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
