L-R: Melissa Jones, Mission Director, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Nigeria, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, General Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd, Mariam Khan, Kenise Hill, U.S. Consulate Deputy Political and Economic Chief
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with The Coca-Cola Foundation and TechnoServe Nigeria, is pleased to announce the launch of the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity (NPSA). This impactful initiative, funded equally by Coca-Cola and USAID with a combined investment of $4 million, tackles the critical challenge of plastic waste management in Nigeria through innovative recycling solutions. Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental concern globally, and Nigeria is no exception. With an estimated 2.5 million metric tons of plastic waste generated annually, there is an urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate its impact on the environment and public health.
The primary objective of the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity (NPSA) is to recover approximately 49,000 metric tons of plastic waste in Nigeria while upscaling the collection capacity of over 24 aggregators and 9,500 collectors. In addition, the program aims to create over 10,000 green jobs, driving circularity in plastic waste management and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.
“The Coca‑Cola Foundation places a priority on helping communities become more sustainable by supporting innovative collection and recycling solutions at a local level,” said Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “We hope this new program in Nigeria serves as a catalyst to drive increased collection and recycling rates as we collectively work towards a more sustainable society, one community at a time.”
During the launch event, USAID Mission Director Melissa Jones remarked “In addition to improving the environment, plastic collection, sorting, aggregating, processing and manufacturing offers employment opportunities. Small and medium scale enterprises and entry-level and semi-skilled workers particularly stand to benefit from this new value chain.”, U.S. Consul General Will Stevens reiterated the United States Government’s commitment to the new project. “By incentivizing recycling as a means of averting plastic pollution, we protect the planet, create jobs, empower youth and other marginalized groups, and foster sustainable development. We must persist in collaborating, innovating, and implementing solutions to address this urgent issue. Together, we can build a future where plastics are no longer a threat to our planet but a valuable resource managed responsibly and utilized for the benefit of future generations,” he remarked.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment emphasized the necessity of the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity (NPSA) “Our policy and advocacy efforts present a paradigm shift on Plastic Waste. We can no longer view it as a disposable commodity; rather, it must be regarded as resource demanding responsible stewardship. We cannot shy away from this responsibility; we must confront it head-on with resolve and determination”.
This launch marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable development in Nigeria. It underscores the commitment of USAID, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and TechnoServe to drive positive change and build a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.
About The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help nations progress beyond assistance. In Nigeria, USAID supports humanitarian assistance, health systems strengthening, transparent and accountable governance, basic education, and a more market-led, trade-friendly economy. For more information about USAID and its programs, please visit www.usaid.gov/nigeria and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @USAIDNigeria.
About Coca-Cola Foundation: The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.
About TechnoServe
TechnoServe, an international development non-profit based in Washington, DC, is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help beneficiaries lift themselves out of poverty. Operating in 29 countries, we remain committed to working with enterprising businesses and individuals in the developing world and emerging markets to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries. By linking people to information, capital, and markets, we have helped millions to create lasting prosperity for their families and communities.
www.technoserve.org
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