The Green Knowledge Foundation (GKF), in partnership with the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) on Wednesday July 8 unveiled an Organic Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to reduce methane emissions from organic waste. The facility is designed to convert organic waste into valuable products while addressing environmental degradation, food insecurity and unemployment through climate-smart agriculture.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Executive Director of GKF, Mr Weyinmi Okotie, described the project as a scalable model for transforming waste into wealth and positioning Nigeria as a leader in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable waste management. He said the facility integrates circular economy principles with climate-smart agriculture to reduce methane emissions, recover resources and create green jobs.
According to him, the project will divert organic waste from landfills, mitigate climate change, support agricultural research and innovation, enhance student learning, build farmers’ capacity and strengthen community engagement.
Also speaking, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, the Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, represented by the deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, described the project as a milestone in the university’s commitment to research, innovation and community development. He urged students to take advantage of the training opportunities provided through the facility to acquire entrepreneurial skills and become employers of labour in the emerging green economy.
Prof. Akeem Oyerinde, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture said the project showcases the role of research and innovation in providing practical solutions to environmental and agricultural challenges.
On his part, Mr Jawad Ahmed, a representative of informal waste workers, commended GKF for involving waste collectors in the project, saying it had improved their knowledge of proper waste management and enhanced their participation in the circular economy.
The project, supported by the Global Methane Hub and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, demonstrates how integrated waste management can enhance economic resilience, food security and climate action in Nigeria.
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