French Embassy’s new recycling initiative powers circular economy across 13 Nigerian universities

NIGERIA – The French Embassy in Nigeria has completed a €753,000 (US$810,000) plastic waste processing project across 13 universities, establishing recycling micro-plants that collectively divert five tonnes of waste monthly while training students and researchers in green entrepreneurship.

The three-year initiative, implemented under the Fonds Équipe France framework, has supported participating institutions including the University of Lagos, Nile University, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, and the University of Calabar in developing practical recycling solutions. 

Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier stated at the closeout ceremony that the project had demonstrated environmental sustainability and economic opportunity are two sides of the same coin. 

The University of Lagos currently diverts about five tonnes of plastic waste from landfills and neighbouring communities through its recycling facility. 

Micro-Plants Generate Employment and Commercial Potential Across Campuses

The initiative has installed recycling micro-plants equipped with crushers, extruders and injection presses capable of converting discarded plastics into furniture, tiles and beams.

Participating universities collectively could generate income from recycling activities if the initiative is expanded. 

Deputy Head of Cooperation Pierre Andriamampianina described the project as an outstanding success whose impact extended far beyond its financial value, creating employment opportunities and demonstrating that plastic waste can become valuable economic resources. 

Nile University’s plant forms part of a 2023 MoU that previously established a fabrication laboratory on campus.

Research and Innovation Networks Position Nigeria for Green Economy Growth

The project supported 13 universities in developing plastic waste management solutions, conducted awareness campaigns across 11 campuses reaching more than 1,700 participants, and organised practical training combining theory with hands-on experience.

Project initiator Sebastian Bede explained the initiative was designed not only to reduce plastic waste but to equip universities with the knowledge, technology and partnerships needed to sustain innovation long after completion. 

The embassy has hinted at plans to expand the initiative to more Nigerian universities following the successful pilot phase. 

The project aligns with Nigeria’s 2021 national policy on plastic waste management and contributes to the broader global movement against plastic pollution, which France co-championed at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice alongside Costa Rica.

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