At the ongoing 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, the Coca-Cola System showcased its commitment to sustainable industrial practices by sponsoring an impactful session on circular economy solutions. The event, titled “Driving Industrialisation through Circular PET Packaging: Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Economy,” gathered leading policymakers, government officials, and industry experts to discuss the transformative potential of circular packaging in advancing Nigeria’s environmental and industrial goals.
The session, sponsored by Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Beverage Company (CCHBC), highlighted the critical role of circular economy principles in driving Nigeria’s green economy. Key speakers at the event included senior figures from government and industry, such as Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment; Hon. Shehu Wada Sagagi, the Commissioner for Commerce and Investment in Kano State; and a panel of distinguished thought leaders.
Senator Enoh Applauds Coca-Cola’s Leadership in Recycling Initiatives
During the keynote address, Senator John Owan Enoh praised the Coca-Cola System’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices, particularly in the area of packaging recovery and recycling. He emphasized that initiatives like Coca-Cola’s nationwide recycling efforts were pivotal to advancing a circular economy in Nigeria. Enoh also commended the company’s role in creating new industrial opportunities while protecting the environment.
“In January of this year, I visited the Nigerian Bottling Company’s packaging waste collection hub in Apapa,” Senator Enoh remarked. “The efforts undertaken there, along with the National Automotive Design and Development Council’s End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation, are concrete examples of how the private sector can align with government policies to foster both sustainability and industrial growth. Coca-Cola’s work is a shining example of what can be achieved when innovation meets responsibility.”
The Minister also noted that the government was working diligently to create an enabling environment for the recycling and green manufacturing sectors. He pointed out that the traditional “produce, consume, discard” industrial model was outdated and that circular economy solutions could turn what was once considered waste into valuable economic opportunities. This, he argued, would drive the creation of new industries and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s green economic transition.
Panel Discussion Explores Circular PET Packaging and Industrial Growth
Following the keynote address, the session moved into a fireside chat, where the Minister was joined by other experts in a panel discussion. Notable participants included Hon. Shehu Wada Sagagi, Commissioner at the Ministry for Commerce & Investment, Kano State; Engr. (Dr.) Bahijjahtu Abubakar, Director of the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the Federal Ministry of Environment; and several other senior officials.
The discussion focused on the growing role of sustainable packaging solutions in Nigeria’s industrialization process, with a special focus on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging. PET, often used in beverage containers, is recyclable and can be part of a circular economy model, where used materials are returned to the production cycle rather than being discarded. The panel also explored how circularity could create jobs, reduce environmental impact, and boost the local economy.
The Coca-Cola System’s role in the circular economy was particularly emphasized, with the company showcasing its network of collection hubs across Nigeria. Through these hubs, Coca-Cola is working to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells, thus fostering a more sustainable production cycle.
Collaboration for Sustainable Growth
The Coca-Cola System’s commitment to advancing circularity in Nigeria is part of its broader global sustainability goals. The company continues to build partnerships with local communities, governmental bodies, and other industry stakeholders to promote recycling and circular economy initiatives across the country.
In her remarks, Amaka Onyemelukwe, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Nigeria, emphasized the company’s strategy to engage with communities at the grassroots level. Through various recycling programs, educational campaigns, and collaborations with environmental organizations, Coca-Cola is ensuring that sustainability is woven into the fabric of Nigerian society.
“The circular economy is about more than just environmental impact; it’s about creating a new, sustainable industrial ecosystem that benefits everyone. We believe that by working together with governments, industry, and communities, we can build a future where waste is minimized, and valuable resources are reused and recycled,” Onyemelukwe said.
Shaping the Future of Nigeria’s Green Economy
The session at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit exemplifies the growing interest in circular economy solutions as key drivers of sustainable industrial growth. With increasing emphasis on green manufacturing practices, Nigeria has the potential to become a regional leader in sustainable economic development. By adopting circularity in packaging, the country can create new jobs, reduce waste, and foster a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
In closing, NBC’s Soromidayo George, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the public and private sectors. “Sustainability and industrial growth must go hand in hand. By integrating circular economy principles into our production and consumption systems, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s green economy.”
The 31st Nigerian Economic Summit continues to serve as a critical platform for dialogue between key stakeholders working to transform Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape for a greener, more sustainable future.
