March holds significant importance for waste recyclers and environmental managers, especially due to the celebration of Global Recycling Day on March 18. This year, Abia State took a prominent role in the global recycling month, marking the occasion with a series of impactful activities throughout March, 2025. At the forefront of these efforts was the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), which has played a pivotal role in leading the state’s environmental initiatives.
Since the appointment of Mazi, Ogbonnia Okereke as ASEPA’s General Manager, Abia State has seen remarkable improvements in its waste management system. The leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has further bolstered the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring that Abia State stands among the cleanest cities in Nigeria today.
On March 18, 2025, a major milestone was reached with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art collection hub. The hub, built through a collaboration between ASEPA and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), was funded through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. The hub is managed by Ukaro Concept Company, a venture spearheaded by Mr. Alex Chukwuma. This facility is poised to play a critical role in improving waste management in the state
Key stakeholders from the environmental sector gathered for the commissioning ceremony, including Mr. Okezie Ezengwa, Deputy General Manager of ASEPA Aba zone, representatives from FBRA, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Abia State, as well as industry leaders from Nigerian Breweries PLC, 7Up Bottling Company, Lacasera company, and GZ Industries. Notable among the speeches was Mr. Ezengwa’s gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Otti, for his unwavering support for waste management, and his recognition of Mazi Okereke’s visionary leadership in advancing recycling initiatives across Abia State.
The event concluded with the testing of a baling machine, provided by FBRA, which marks a significant step towards increasing recycling efficiency in the region. The excitement didn’t end there – later in the same week, Abia hosted a delegation from the High Commission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria led by Mr. Jurgen Bartelink, the Deputy High Commissioner. The visitors were on a scope study mission to explore opportunities for collaboration in areas like agriculture, renewable energy, and waste management.
The Netherlands delegation was warmly received by Abians during a dinner on March 19, 2025, at the Government House. The discussions on circular economy were led by Nathalie Beinisch, who explored the current landscape of recycling and sustainability efforts. During a highly engaging Q&A session, experts such as Prof. Innocent Nnorom, an e-waste specialist, and Cajetan Okeke, a grassroots recycler, shared valuable insights on challenges in battery recycling and plastic waste management from electronics.
The next day, March 20, the delegation toured two major recycling hubs in the state – Alamonk Recyclers in Umuahia and Ukaro Concept Company in Aba. In Umuahia, the delegation was welcomed by Catechist, Ambrose Jonah the ASEPA deputy GM for Umuahia. Both facilities impressed the visitors with their robust recycling operations, especially in plastic waste recovery. The team was particularly keen to understand the logistics, collection methods, and equipment needed to further enhance these operations. Their positive feedback reinforced the importance of continued support and development in the recycling sector.
The visit culminated in an uplifting sense of optimism for Abia State’s future in waste management. The continued collaboration between ASEPA, the Abia State government, and international stakeholders like the Netherlands’ consulate offers the promise of even greater strides in environmental sustainability.
Abia State’s role in advancing recycling and sustainability is not only commendable but also exemplary for other regions in Nigeria and beyond. The state’s progress in building recycling infrastructure and forging international partnerships is a testament to the impact of strong leadership, community involvement, and global collaboration. As Abia looks ahead, there is an unwavering anticipation for even greater heights in the environmental sector, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for its people. Appreciation is extended to ASEPA, the Abia State government, the Consulate of the Netherlands, and all stakeholders who have made this progress possible. With continued effort, Abia is well on its way to becoming a leading force in the global push for sustainability.
By: Cajetan Okeke
