The Climate Parliament Nigeria Network in collaboration with Chanja Datti, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has commenced the installation of plastic and bottling recycling bins at the National Assembly complex to address issues of climate change.
At the unveiling and installation of Plastic Bottles and Aluminum Cans in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Chairperson, Climate Parliament Nigeria Network, Mr Sam Onuigbo, said that the objective was to increase the understanding of plastic and aluminum cans, waste disposal and the urgent need to protect the environment from the harmful effect of plastic and aluminum cans waste.
He noted that the project is also expected to influence behavioral change in plastic and aluminum cans disposal and positively impact the National Assembly’s immediate and external environment.
“This is the first time in Nigeria’s history that plastic recycle bins have been installed at the National Assembly. This is essentially significant because the National Assembly complex represents the heart of decision making for Nigeria. What better way to make a symbolic statement than to install these at a place where critical decisions about Nigeria are made,” he explained.
According to him, the items would contribute in driving the circular economy by supporting legislation, on single use plastic legislation which can drastically reduce plastic pollution in Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer of Chanja Datti, Ms Olufunto Boroface, said that project signified to the nation and to the world that Nigeria is taking the issues of climate change and recycling seriously.
“This project that is happening in the hallowed halls of the National Assembly, especially on the back of COP27, which is the United Nations Climate Change Conference that just ended in Egypt. The launching and unveiling of the recycling bins is leading to again the reduction of carbon and methane emissions for those who are not aware,” she said.
She noted that Chanja Datti is also working with other sister agencies to create awareness on environmental protection especially issues of climate change.
She however commended the Climate Parliament Nigeria Network, UNIDO, British High Commission, Directorate of Estate and Works, and the National Assembly for making the initiative possible.
Director General, National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, said that the Council would work with the private sector to help support the Climate Parliament Nigeria Network to move the project forward.
“For the National Council on Environment, we will continue to work with the Climate Parliament Nigeria Network for further guidance to pave way for the Council to succeed, because the vision of the Parliament behind the Nigeria Climate Change Act is a vision that is the best and would take Nigeria forward to ensure that Nigeria is reckoned with.
“The event we are witnessing today, the installation of plastic bottles and aluminum recycling bin, is fundamental to the duties and functions of the NEC, particularly when the CEO Chanja Datti said its already resulting in some avoidable carbon emissions, for us in the country what we need to know is to measure and verify this so it can be fed into our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and also be mainstreamed into the net zero target of 2060 as put forward by President Muhammadu Buhari,” he stated.
UNIDO Regional Director, Mr. Jean Bakole, represented by an Environmental Expert, Mr Yomi Banjo, said Nigeria has continued to display the leadership position in Africa by developing various initiatives and partnership at combating plastic and solid waste pollution.
“We have partnered with the Government of Nigeria on plastics and waste management through various initiatives, like the development of the National Policy on Solid Waste Management 2020, the development of the Policy of the National Policy on Plastics 2020, the Circular Economy Assessment of Plastics for Nigeria. And, also, I’m happy to tell you that, next month, the Minister for Environment will be launching a new project on circular economy on plastics for a new UNIDO Nigeria project on circular economy plastics,” Mr Banjo stated.
He, however, reiterated UNIDO’s commitment in working with the Nigerian government and Climate Parliament Nigeria Network towards achieving an inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Nigeria without compromising the quality of the environment.
“The Climate Parliament Nigeria Network programme started in 2018 with an objective to build capacity and mobilise political will to advance the transition to renewable and promote access to clean energy and sustainable transport,” he stated.
The initiative’s major aim is to engage members of Parliament in supporting and promoting key climate and energy projects.
