The Federal government has assured Nigerians that the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Treatment Centre located in Abuja, Nigeria and second in Africa would enhance Environmental Sustainability and protect Public Health in Nigeria.
The Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal disclosed this while commissioning of PCB treatment Centre at Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Kwali Area Council, FCT Abuja.
The Minister commended the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of PCBs Project in Nigeria for financing the establishment of the Centre.
Balarabe also revealed that the facility is in line with Stockholm convention and the Nigeria national development priorities.
The Minister further noted that PCBs are highly hazardous pollutants that pose serious risks to human health, biodiversity, and the entire environment, when improperly handled or disposed of. “They can cause severe illnesses such as cancer and reproductive disorders, as well as long-term damage to ecosystems. They are also a major cause of soil, water, and food contamination which threatens the well-being of present and future generations” he added.
Also, the centre will provide development of policies and guidelines to strengthen chemicals and waste regulation; Training government agencies and private operators on safe handling, storage, and transport of PCB-contaminated materials; conducting national inventories of PCBs to support evidence-based decisions; Establishment of the dedicated PCBs Treatment Centre being commissioned today; and Public awareness on the hazards of PCBs through workshops and the media outreach.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari said the project marked a mile stone in Nigeria’s environmental governance to ensure global standards for strengthen national system for the treatment, disposal and maintaining of hazardous chemical and waste.
Kambari reiterated that the facility would ensure Nigeria capacity to identify, asses, manage hazardous substance, improve public health, reduce environmental risk and safeguarding ecosystem.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya and one of the former Project Coordinator of the project disclosed that the commissioning marked the successful journey that demanded vision, perseverance and sustained collective commitment.
Olubunmi disclosed that he exited the project in 2024 following his appointment as Permanent Secretary but left behind sustained implementation and successfully carried the project through to completion.
The Permanent Secretary stated that beyond physical infrastructure, the facility represented a critical national asset in the safe management of PBCs that contribute to environmental protection, public safety and Nigeria’s compliance with international environmental obligations.
Also speaking, the Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health (PC&EH) and Director under her department which the project was commissioned, Engr. (Dr) Bahijjatu Abubakar called on the Federal Government to establish more PBC Centres in the six geo political zones (6) of the Country to improve environmental protection, public health protection in the country.
The representative of the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), MS Elsie Gyekyewea Attafuah In her goodwill message described her the project as a demonstration of Nigeria leadership in environmental sustainability and global compliance in Africa.
She also pledged the UNDP continuous support in ensuring that the facility operated optimally and protected to deliver a lasting impact.
The representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Health, Innovation Science and Technology, Captain of industries, traditional rulers and members of the host community graced the occasion.
Signed
Ibrahim Haruna
Director, Information and Public Relations
