The Ogun State government, through the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (Oguninvest), is set to collaborate with the Manufacturing Africa programme, an initiative of the UK government via its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the British High Commission, along with Hinckley E-Waste Recycling Ltd.
This partnership aims to enhance the manufacturing sector in the state, promoting a more vibrant and sustainable industrial environment.
This was as Adrian Clews, CEO of Hinckley E-Waste Recycling Ltd, announced on Wednesday that Nigeria is the second-largest producer of electronic waste in Africa, following South Africa.
The country generates approximately 200,000 metric tonnes of electronic waste annually, posing significant health and environmental risks.
During a press briefing at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta, Clews revealed plans for a $5 million Lithium-ion and lead-acid battery recycling plant in Ogun State, supported by the UK government initiative Manufacturing Africa. This facility aims to transform toxic waste into a profitable venture, creating at least 100 direct jobs.
The briefing was attended by key officials, including the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, who highlighted Ogun State’s leadership in waste management. He noted that the state recycles over 1,400 metric tonnes of plastic bottles daily and has several companies focused on recycling ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as paper.
Oresanya assured that the state would support Hinckley E-Waste in its operations, complementing existing battery recycling efforts by seven local companies.
British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery emphasized that the recycling initiative is part of the UK’s commitment to improving livelihoods in Nigeria. He stated the UK government’s intention to invest in various sectors, including energy, technology, and agriculture, to foster socio-economic development.
Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela, reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment to attract both local and foreign investments.
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