By Faridat Salifu
The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, has lauded the launch of Coca-Cola’s Mega PET Aggregation Hub, describing it as a significant step forward in Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy.
Speaking to the press at the hub’s unveiling in Lagos recently , Dr. Barikor expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing efforts to establish a legal framework for the plastic sector’s circular economy.
He highlighted that the Agency’s initiatives had driven voluntary compliance among industry stakeholders.
“I am thrilled to see that the engagement of various stakeholders during the formulation of the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations and the National Guidelines for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in plastic packaging is yielding results,” Dr. Barikor said. “This proactive approach from producers is encouraging, even before the regulations officially come into effect.”
The NESREA boss also commended Coca-Cola for its ambitious project, noting that the hub, with its capacity to process 13,000 metric tons of PET annually, would make a considerable impact.
He said, “This facility will process PET into clean bales and support the production of recycled PET (rPET), benefiting Lagos and surrounding areas while contributing to a sustainable circular economy in Nigeria.”
Dr. Barikor urged other industry players to follow Coca-Cola’s lead and adopt voluntary compliance practices. He revealed that NESREA was working on an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Enforcement Plan to ensure that all stakeholders adhere to regulations, with penalties in place for those who fail to comply.
