The United Nations Industrial Development Organization has inaugurated and transferred a pilot plastic waste collection facility to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board in the Jabi area of Abuja.
The project, financed by the Government of Japan, is part of an initiative titled “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices.” It is aimed at tackling plastic pollution while encouraging efficient resource use, innovation, and inclusive industrial growth.
At the inauguration, a UNIDO representative described plastic pollution as “one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time,” noting that it also creates an opportunity “to rethink how materials are produced, utilized, and managed.”
The representative explained that adopting circular economy strategies can “transform waste into valuable resources, create jobs, strengthen industries, and protect the environment,” adding that “this facility serves as a practical demonstration of that vision.”
Developed in partnership with AEPB, the centre is structured to enhance the collection, sorting, and consolidation of plastic waste, while strengthening recycling systems and supporting livelihoods. “The facility is designed to improve waste collection and aggregation, while boosting recycling value chains and supporting livelihoods,” the organisation stated.
The initiative also covers “the development of implementation guidelines for Nigeria’s National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, strengthening recycling capacity in Abuja and Lagos, and demonstrating innovative recycling solutions.”
The facility is fitted with modern equipment, including baling and crushing machines, collection tricycles, and data systems to improve efficiency and recovery rates. “It is equipped with modern tools and systems to support efficient operations and improve material recovery,” the organisation noted, adding that “it will serve as a model for expansion to other cities across the country.”
The organisation also stated that AEPB provided land, infrastructure, and operational oversight, while UNIDO, with support from Japan, supplied equipment, technical expertise, and training “to ensure the centre operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably.”
The project supports key targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).