Nigeria pushes for safer environment with PCBs treatment centre
The Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has established the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Treatment Centre to reduce environmental and health risks associated with hazardous chemicals. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the facility was commissioned on Thursday at the Sheda Science and Technology Complex in Kwali, Abuja. […]
minister of environment balarabe abbas lawal
The Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has established the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Treatment Centre to reduce environmental and health risks associated with hazardous chemicals.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the facility was commissioned on Thursday at the Sheda Science and Technology Complex in Kwali, Abuja.
It is designed to refine and treat contaminated transformer oil, preventing pollution and supporting Nigeria’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, described PCBs as highly toxic pollutants capable of causing cancer, reproductive disorders and long-term environmental damage if not properly handled.
He said the facility demonstrated Nigeria’s resolve to eliminate persistent organic pollutants and build institutional capacity for safe waste management.
Lawal added that the ministry was working with relevant agencies to strengthen chemical and waste regulations while training public and private operators on safe handling and transportation of contaminated materials.
UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Gyenkwewaa Attafuah, described the centre as the first of its kind in West Africa, noting that it positioned Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental protection.
Also speaking, the Etsu Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, welcomed the project and pledged the support of the area council, while urging authorities to ensure its sustainability.