Anambra Targets Waste to Wealth Economy as Environment Commissioner Inspects Recycling Facility
By Ichie Times
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting plastic recycling, environmental sustainability and a circular economy following an unscheduled inspection of WasteBox, a plastic recycling facility in Enugwu Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area.
Aguiyi inspected the facility on Thursday, July 30, 2026, where he was taken around the recycling plant by its manager, Mr. Abiola.
The manager explained that the facility currently operates as an aggregation and processing centre, with operations including plastic crushing and bale compression.
He disclosed that more than 90 per cent of the processed plastic bales are transported to Aba, Lagos and other industrial centres for further processing and manufacturing due to the limited availability of advanced plastic processing facilities in Anambra State.
The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the volume of plastic waste being recovered at the facility but identified energy costs as a major constraint to its operations.
According to him, the heavy reliance on diesel powered equipment and the high cost of electricity are affecting the productivity and expansion of recycling businesses in the state.
Aguiyi assured the operators that the state government would explore possible interventions to improve energy access for recycling industries, including engagements with relevant electricity distribution companies.
He described the movement of processed recyclable materials outside Anambra for final manufacturing as a missed economic opportunity for the state.
The Commissioner said the government would encourage investments that would enable recyclable materials to be converted into finished products within Anambra, rather than being transported elsewhere for value addition.
According to him, developing local manufacturing capacity would create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, retain economic value within the state and increase internally generated revenue.
Aguiyi said the vision of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is to transform waste into wealth through innovation, industrialisation and environmental sustainability.
He assured genuine investors and recycling operators of the Ministry’s readiness to support initiatives that promote value addition, job creation and the development of a circular economy.
Speaking during the inspection, WasteBox Manager, Mr. Abiola, thanked the Commissioner for the unscheduled visit, describing it as evidence of his interest in environmental development and practical solutions to challenges facing recycling operators.
He identified reliable electricity as the facility’s major challenge and expressed optimism that increased collaboration with the Ministry would improve productivity, expand operations and strengthen Anambra’s emerging green economy.
The inspection underscores the growing economic potential of waste management and recycling as the state seeks to combine environmental protection with industrial development and job creation.
