The Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA), and the state’s Ministry
of the Environment, have paid a field visit to Polysmart, a wholly
indigenous multimillion dollar plastic recycling facility, located in
Aiyetoro, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, to explore areas of partnership,
towards solving plastic pollution challenge in the state and across the
country.
The firm which began production in 2021, is into complete recycling of
used plastic bottles, from collection to the production of six million
food grade pet bottles on daily basis.
Speaking during the facility tour of the factory, the Managing
Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that the
establishment of that firm was a dream come through, in actualization of
the uncommon diligence and determination of the management team of the
firm.
He said,” This is a strong indicator that LAWMA is making all best
possible efforts at ensuring plastic pollution is tackled in the state
and here we are with Polysmart. I could remember vividly the day I met
with the MD and we discussed on the possibility of having a collection
system for solid waste. I must commend you and your team for your
resilience”.
“In a state where we have about 12 million of used plastic, if Polysmart
collects 7million on a daily basis, gradually, plastic pollution will go
off and we will have a plastic free environment. That is why LAWMA is
advocating the two bin system for the collection of waste and sorting of
recyclables”, he stressed.
Odumboni however challenged the firm to work with LAWMA Academy, to
boost knowledge of waste management among the children and youth in the
state.
Also Speaking, the permanent secretary of the Office of Environmental
Services of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr.
Omobolaji Gaji, expressed delight in the company’s initiative, stressing
that the emergence of Polysmart will no doubt help the ministry and
LAWMA to provide a lasting solution to plastic pollution epidemic in
Lagos State.
In his words, ” This is a testament that some people still believe so
much in Nigeria and to see this coming from a Nigerian, it is a great
motivation. From all that have been said and seen, it is obvious that
this will curb the deposition of plastics in our drainage channels and
the environment. It will serve as a source of income as well as
employment for people, who will be involved in the sorting and
collection process.
While pledging his support to the company, Gaji also promised that the
Lagos State government will work with other stakeholders to support the
company’s vision.
The Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Wasiu Balogun, who conducted the
visitors round the facility, noted that the firm was established with
the primary aim of solving the plastic mess and for employment
generation.
He disclosed that the facility, which is first of its kind in Africa,
would have a daily requirement of about 7 million used bottles, for
non-stop running of the plant, which he disclosed, was wholly coupled by
Nigerian engineers and technicians, without foreign assistance.
Balogun promised total cooperation with LAWMA and the state government,
to increase the cost per kilogram of used plastic, harvested by
households in the state and beyond.
The field visit involved the entire LAWMA management team, including the
executive director of finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi.
Director, Public Affairs
LAWMA
