By Mariyah Adamu, Abuja
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has assured the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, of the federal government’s commitment towards circular economy in the management of plastic waste in Nigeria.
This was contained in a press release signed and made available to AljazirahNigeria by the ministry’s Director, Press and Public Relations Unit, Ibrahim Haruna.
According to the statement, Balarabe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mahmud 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 solution to waste management where individuals deposit bottles and other recyclable materials and earned financial reward in returns.
Balarabe also noted that beyond the environmental impact, the vending machine will promotes the concept of circular economy for cleaner communities and economic opportunities for citizens.
He added 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 representative of all Nigerians.
He urged members to donate similar machines to their constituencies to create jobs for youths and safeguard their environment.
The Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Julius Pondi and his members pledged their support toward the effective management of the machine.
The National Programm Officer, UNIDO, Dr Osuji Otiu, in his goodwill message, stated that the vending machine is an indigenous product and urged the scale-up of the project for the effective management of plastic waste in the country.
The Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Engr Bahijjahtu Abubakar, who represented the permanent secretary thanked UNIDO for supporting the ministry in combating plastic waste in Nigeria.
She also stated that the National Assembly Complex was carefully and deliberately chosen for the unveiling, being the symbol of unity, as well as members being the full representatives of all Nigerians.
Official of Ecobarter Technologies, Mr Emeka Okechukwu, demonstrated the functionality of the plastic vending machine.
