An Organic Material Recovery Facility (MRF) aimed at reducing methane emissions generated from organic waste has been established through a strategic collaboration between the Green Knowledge Foundation (GKF) and the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) in Abuja.

The facility, officially unveiled at the university’s Teaching and Research Farm is designed to transform organic waste into valuable products while advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Beyond tackling environmental degradation, the initiative also seeks to address food insecurity and unemployment through climate-smart agricultural practices.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Director of GKF, Weyinmi Okotie, described the project as a model that can be replicated across Nigeria to convert waste into economic opportunities while strengthening the country’s leadership in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable waste management.

According to Mr Okotie, the facility combines circular economy principles with climate-smart agriculture to lower methane emissions, recover valuable resources and generate green employment opportunities.

He explained that the initiative would divert organic waste away from landfills, help mitigate climate change, encourage agricultural research and innovation, improve students’ practical learning, strengthen farmers’ capacity and deepen community engagement.

Mr Okotie also expressed appreciation to the University of Abuja for partnering with the foundation, noting that the collaboration would contribute to changing public perception of waste from an environmental burden into a valuable economic resource.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNIABUJA, Hakeem Fawehinmi, described the facility as a significant achievement in the institution’s commitment to research, innovation and community development.

Represented at the event by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Muhammad Ndagi, Mr Fawehinmi said the project demonstrates how scientific innovation can transform waste into wealth while addressing critical environmental challenges.

He disclosed that the initiative is among the first memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed since he assumed office and reaffirmed the university management’s commitment to supporting partnerships that promote sustainable waste-to-wealth programmes.

The vice-chancellor further encouraged students to maximise the training opportunities available through the facility to develop entrepreneurial skills and position themselves as employers of labour within the emerging green economy.

Also addressing participants, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Akeem Oyerinde, said the initiative highlights the importance of research and innovation in delivering practical solutions to environmental and agricultural challenges.

Mr Oyerinde noted that early scepticism surrounding the use of insects to convert waste into valuable products had been overcome by the project’s successful implementation.

He added that the facility demonstrates the commercial potential of transforming organic waste into valuable resources while safeguarding the environment and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Representing informal waste workers, Jawad Ahmed praised GKF for including waste collectors in the project, saying the initiative had strengthened their understanding of effective waste management and expanded their participation in the circular economy.

Mr Ahmed said the initiative had equipped waste workers with more sustainable methods of handling waste and created better opportunities for their livelihoods.

The Organic Material Recovery Facility includes a composting plant, a black soldier fly farm, a training and knowledge hub, and a zero-waste education centre designed to encourage environmental sustainability and positive behavioural change.

The project is supported by the Global Methane Hub and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives as a demonstration of how integrated waste management can improve economic resilience, enhance food security and strengthen climate action in Nigeria.

Source: People Gazette