The French Embassy in Nigeria has launched a \u20ac753,000 Plastic Waste Processing Project aimed at driving recycling innovation, promoting green entrepreneurship, and strengthening the circular economy across Nigerian universities.\n<\/p>\n
Implemented under the Embassy\u2019s Fonds \u00c9quipe France (FEF) framework, the three-year initiative focused on improving plastic waste management through research, innovation, practical training, and the establishment of recycling micro-plants on participating university campuses.\n<\/p>\n
The project also encouraged students and researchers to develop sustainable solutions to plastic pollution while creating economic opportunities through recycling and circular economy practices.\n<\/p>\n
Speaking at the closeout ceremony in Abuja, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, said the initiative demonstrated that environmental sustainability and economic growth can go hand in hand.\n<\/p>\n
He noted that tackling Nigeria\u2019s growing plastic waste challenge requires viable business models around recycling, waste collection, and the reuse of plastic materials.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnvironmental ambition and economic opportunity are not in opposition. They are, in fact, two sides of the same coin,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
Fonbaustier added that Nigeria\u2019s youthful population and expanding technological capacity position the country to unlock significant opportunities in green entrepreneurship and the recycling industry. He also called for stronger collaboration between Nigerian and French universities, researchers, and private sector organisations to develop innovative environmental solutions.\n<\/p>\n
Deputy Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy, Pierre Andriamampianina, described the project as a success, noting that its impact extends beyond funding to capacity building, youth engagement, and innovation.\n<\/p>\n
According to him, participating universities expanded the initiative beyond its original scope by integrating plastic waste management into their institutional systems while creating new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.\n<\/p>\n
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi, said the university\u2019s recycling micro-plant will initially manufacture household and office furniture from recycled plastics before expanding into commercial production.<\/p>\n
She added that the institution plans to collaborate with formal and informal waste pickers to ensure a steady supply of recyclable materials while creating additional income opportunities for surrounding communities.\n<\/p>\n
According to Ogunsola, the university currently diverts about five tonnes of plastic waste from landfills and neighbouring communities through the recycling facility established under the project.\n<\/p>\n
Also speaking, the University of Calabar\u2019s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Linkages and Collaborations, Professor Anthony Eneji, said plastic recycling presents enormous commercial opportunities, noting that participating universities could collectively generate more than \u20a6900 million from recycling activities if the initiative is expanded.\n<\/p>\n
Project initiator and former Science and Higher Education Attach\u00e9 at the French Embassy, Sebastian Bede, said the intervention supported 13 universities, established recycling micro-plants, trained students and researchers, and reached more than 1,700 participants through awareness campaigns.\n<\/p>\n
He explained that the initiative was designed not only to reduce plastic waste but also to equip universities with the knowledge, technology, and partnerships needed to sustain innovation and green enterprise long after the project\u2019s completion.<\/p>\n