By Rosemary Ogbonna 

French Embassy in Nigeria and Nile University, Abuja, have  inaugurated a plastic recycling micro-plant to promote environmental sustainability, research, and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Marc Fonbaustier, said the initiative reflected France’s commitment to supporting Nigerian universities in tackling plastic pollution.

Fonbaustier, who was represented by the Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of France, Mr Pierre Andriamampianina, said the project would strengthen environmental sustainability, research, and innovation.

 Andriamampianina  described the project as part of a broader global movement against plastic pollution and environmental degradation.

According to him, the inauguration marks the culmination of a partnership aimed at advancing research, innovation, and environmental responsibility within Nigerian universities.

Andriamampianina noted that plastic pollution had become a major global concern, citing the United Nations Conference co-chaired by France and Costa Rica in Nice in June 2025, where combating plastic pollution emerged as a key priority.

He also referenced a declaration issued by scientists during the World Health Summit in Lyon, France, on the harmful effects of plastics on global health systems.

The envoy commended Nigeria for introducing a national policy on plastic waste management in 2021 to regulate the lifecycle of plastics while promoting recycling and reuse.

“Through this project, and thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, the French Embassy and its partners have demonstrated that local action can connect with a wider global movement,” he said.

He praised students, researchers, and staff members committed to environmental sustainability, adding that the initiative would create opportunities for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.