By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable waste-to-wealth economy, with the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, advocating increased investment in local plastic manufacturing to drive industrial growth, create jobs and promote environmental sustainability.
Dr. Aguiyi made the call during an unscheduled inspection visit to WasteBox, a plastic recycling facility in Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area, on July 30.
The visit, according to the commissioner, reflects the commitment of the Soludo administration to transforming waste into an economic asset through recycling, value addition and circular economy initiatives.
During the inspection, the facility’s Manager, Mr. Abiola, conducted Dr. Aguiyi around the plant, showcasing its plastic crushing and bale compression machines while explaining the company’s waste collection, recovery and processing operations.
Mr. Abiola disclosed that the facility currently operates as an aggregation and processing centre, noting that more than 90 per cent of the processed plastic bales are transported to Aba, Lagos and other industrial hubs for final manufacturing because Anambra lacks advanced plastic processing industries.
Commending wastebox for its contribution to environmental protection through plastic waste recovery, Dr. Aguiyi observed that the company’s operations are being constrained by the high cost of electricity and its dependence on diesel-powered equipment.
He assured the operators that the state government would explore possible interventions, including engagement with electricity distribution companies, to improve energy access for recycling industries.
The commissioner described the export of processed plastic materials to other states for final production as a missed economic opportunity for Anambra, stressing the need to establish local manufacturing industries capable of converting recyclable materials into finished products within the state.
According to him, such investments would stimulate industrialisation, create employment opportunities, retain economic value within Anambra, and boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Dr. Aguiyi reiterated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision is to build a cleaner, greener and more prosperous Anambra through innovation, environmental stewardship and sustainable industrial development.
He assured investors and recycling operators of the Ministry’s readiness to provide an enabling environment that supports value addition, expands recycling enterprises, and accelerates the growth of the state’s circular economy.
In his remarks, the Manager of WasteBox, Mr. Abiola, appreciated the Commissioner for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to environmental development and practical governance.
He identified unreliable electricity as the facility’s biggest operational challenge and expressed optimism that stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Environment would improve productivity, expand operations and further strengthen Anambra’s green economy.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
