Akwa Ibom Assembly calls for private sector partnership to boost waste recycling
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the government to collaborate with private investors to establish waste recycling plants across the state.
The motion, titled “Waste to Wealth: Need to Partner with the Private Sector to Establish a Recycling Plant in the State”, was introduced by Ukpong Akpabio, representing Essien Udim, and seconded by Eric Akpan from Nsit Ibom.
The lawmakers gave it overwhelming support.
Akpabio highlighted that daily waste accumulation in the state presents an untapped economic opportunity.
Proper recycling, he said, could create jobs for youths, reduce environmental hazards, and turn waste into revenue.
He stressed that landfills pose significant public health risks through soil and water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions, which recycling could help mitigate.
The lawmaker also pointed out that scavengers often transport recyclable materials such as plastics, cartons, and scrap metals to other states, indicating the potential benefits of having local recycling facilities.
Establishing such plants, he noted, would stimulate economic growth, conserve natural resources, and align with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its Economic Consolidation and Expansion Blueprint promoting public-private partnerships.
Lawmakers supporting the motion described it as timely and beneficial for sustainable development, pollution prevention, and job creation.
Speaker Udeme Otong commended the unanimous backing of the initiative and instructed the Clerk of the House to forward the resolutions to the governor for implementation.
