In celebration of this year’s Global Recycling Day, the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), in partnership with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), has commissioned a state-of-the-art recycling plant in Aba. The facility, located at the Ministry of Works Environment, Ikot Ekpene Road, Ogbor hill, marks a significant step towards sustainable waste management in the state.
A Step Towards Environmental Sustainability
Global Recycling Day serves as a platform to promote recycling as a vital tool for environmental preservation and long-term sustainability. The launch of the recycling center aligns with Abia State government’s commitment to a cleaner and greener environment, reinforcing ASEPA’s dedication to responsible waste management.
Speaking at the commissioning, Ekele Eze, Corporate Affairs Manager (South), Nigerian Breweries, emphasized FBRA’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“This partnership is all about ensuring that we have a sustainable environment. This event is happening in two other locations across Nigeria aside from Abia State, but our partner here is FBRA. We encourage people to come with their waste for recycling,” he stated.
ASEPA’s Commitment to a Circular Economy
The Deputy General Manager of ASEPA Aba Zone, Elder Okezie Ezengwa, expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for his visionary leadership in waste management. He lauded the establishment of the recycling plant as a significant milestone in transforming waste into valuable resources.
“This plant is designed to handle post-consumer packaging materials such as PET containers, aluminum cans, and used cartons. The whole idea is to rid our streets of such waste and turn them into useful materials in line with the circular economic drive of the state,” he explained.
Elder Ezengwa also extended his appreciation to FBRA and its member companies—including Nigerian Breweries PLC, La Casera, GZ Industries, 7Up Bottling Company, and others—for their confidence in Abia State. He encouraged more companies and NGOs to emulate FBRA by investing in environmental sustainability.
Economic and Social Impact
Highlighting the immediate benefits of the project, Elder Ezengwa noted that the initiative would not only clean up Aba’s streets but also provide economic empowerment opportunities for residents.
“We expect to see less waste on our streets. Even children can gather these materials and bring them here for financial rewards. People will take this as a business, buying recyclable waste from homes and shops to sell at the center. That’s empowerment,” he added.
A Landmark Achievement for Abia State
Mazi Alexander Godwin, the operator for FBRA, described the project as a major milestone for Abia State, being the first of its kind in the region.
At the Launch of the recycling plant
“This is the first time something like this is happening in Abia State, and we say a very big thank you to FBRA and ASEPA for making this a reality. With this platform, we expect even greater initiatives in the future. The goal is to create a cleaner, healthier environment,” he stated.
He further explained the recycling process, emphasizing that collected materials are sent to partner companies that repurpose them into new products such as plastic chairs, strings, and PET bottles.
“GZI, one of our partners with FBRA, is solely responsible for processing aluminum cans from soft drinks. They buy back these materials, proving that nothing is truly waste,” he added.
ASEPA’s Achievements Under Governor Otti
Since Governor Alex Otti declared a state of emergency on waste management upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, ASEPA has made remarkable progress in waste collection and environmental sanitation. Aba, once notorious for its waste crisis, has undergone a dramatic transformation, shedding its former image as one of Nigeria’s dirtiest cities and emerging as a model for cleanliness.
With this new recycling center, ASEPA and its partners have reaffirmed their commitment to a sustainable future, ensuring that waste is no longer a burden but a resource for economic and environmental growth.
