Yemisi Izuora
Efforts to reduce plastic pollution and help save the environment have received a boost with the signing of a Special Purpose Grant (SPG) between Total in Nigeria and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
The agreement was signed on the 1st April 2018 in Lagos, Nigeria and countersigned by the UN Assistant Secretary General Executive Director, UNITAR
In his remarks, the Managing Director, Total E&P Nigeria, Ltd., Mr. Nicolas Terraz, represented by the Executive General Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Mr Vincent Nnadi said, We expect that this project will bring a turnaround to the Nigerian recycling sector and also create employment at every step of the value chain.
In his response, Country Head & Resident Representative of UNITAR, Lawrence Boms stated, This is not the first time weve been in partnership with Total. We know the Sustainable Development Goals are not done on paper; you have to do practical things to create employability; and do something to save the planet. That is why we are really interested and happy to partner with Total this time again.
The two-year Project is expected to create employment, induce research and finally unbundle opportunities to small and medium scale enterprises.
The grant will be managed by UNITAR with an implementation committee to create a full cycle recycling plant which will be located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
As the Responsible Energy Company, Total is committed to the preservation of the environment and considers plastic recycling a sustainable path to this commitment.
The company is therefore ready to engage with all stakeholders on specific projects dealing with better recycling, waste management, eco-design, etc. Total also actively supports initiatives in environmental awareness and education.