Abuja: The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled the first Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) treatment centres in Abuja as part of a national project to eliminate the harmful chemicals and protect public health and the environment.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said the unveiling of the facility was a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public health protection, in line with our national development priorities and global obligations.
The PCBs Treatment Facility is located at the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja.
It was established under the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with 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.
The minister said the centre will strengthen national capacity for the management and environmentally sound disposal of PCBs and other Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
PCBs are man-made, while POPs were once widely used in electrical equipment (transformers, capacitors) and other products (paints, plastics, carbon paper) for their fire-resistant and cooling properties.
However, it was banned in the 70s due to its toxicity and long-term environmental persistence.
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.
“Nigeria is a committed Party to the Stockholm Convention on POPs; we are therefore obligated to eliminate and manage PCBs in an environmentally friendly manner.
“This treatment facility is a direct demonstration of our dedication to meeting these obligations and building lasting institutional capacity,” the minister said.
Lawal said that the facility was more than a technical installation; it represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s capacity to manage hazardous materials domestically.
He added that enabling the decontamination and environmentally sound treatment of PCBs will prevent further contamination of our environment and food systems, thereby reducing health risks to workers and surrounding communities.
“This facility is a direct pathway to generating more green jobs, driving Nigeria’s broader transition towards a circular economy, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of all,” the minister explained.
Mrs Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, said that the facility is Nigeria’s first and West Africa’s first-ever PCBs treatment facility.
The PCBs project is a powerful demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability, public health protection, and global compliance under the Stockholm Convention.
“Today’s commissioning is more than an environmental achievement. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
The State-of-the-Art Facility positions Nigeria as a regional leader in hazardous waste management while creating new job opportunities.
“I can only say that by investing in this facility, Nigeria is protecting its people and environment while safeguarding the productivity of its workforce and reducing future public health burdens,” Attafuah said.
Dr Osu Inya Otu, the National Programme Officer for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Nigeria, stated that PCBs pose health risks, including liver and immune system damage, chronic conditions, and other problems.
“We are all aware that PCBs are a group of toxic, man-made organic chemicals used for their stability and electrical insulation properties in conformance to our particular potential needs.
“We have been working in Nigeria with the private sector, various partners and stakeholders, the state and federal government. Currently, UNIDO signed its programme for country partnership from 2024 to 2028 with the federal government of Nigeria,” he said.
Dr Abayomi Orishadipe, Acting Director General of SHESTCO, said the facility would make Nigeria’s environment safer.
‘We have a lot of capability for proper maintenance of the facility, so we are ready to continue to collaborate with the project. With this, we know that definitely we’re going to mitigate the effect of harmful practices on our society,” he assured.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the PCBs are well known for their toxic, parasitic and viral accumulating properties, which have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental disorders and other adverse health outcomes.
Pate was represented by Mrs Adeola Olufowobi, Director of Food, Chemical, Cosmetics and Water Safety Division (Food & Drugs Services Department) in the Ministry.
He said that the facility marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to sound chemical and waste management, environmental protection and public health security.
The establishment of these PCB treatment activities demonstrates our collective resource to eliminate persistent organic pollutants and to reduce health and environmental risks associated with astronauts’ aircraft.
“Their improper handling or disposal poses serious risk not only to the ecosystems but also to inherent health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women and frontline workers,” Pate stated.
Mrs Bahijjahtu Abubakar, the Director, Department of Pollution and Control in the Ministry of Environment, assured that the ministry would replicate the facility across the six geo-political zones of the country, as the present facility cannot handle unused oils and transformers nationwide.
Mrs Agnes Aneke. The Operational Focal Point (GEF) said climate change is real and that, whether we like it or not, we must manage the situation; however, it expressed satisfaction with the facility, saying it will restore Nigeria’s ecosystem.
Etsu Kwali, Luka Ayedo Nizassan III, expressed satisfaction with the project and assured the maintenance and sustenance of the facility in the area.
