The Green Knowledge Foundation (GKF), in partnership with the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), on Wednesday unveiled an Organic Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to reduce methane emissions from organic waste.
The facility, unveiled at the university’s Teaching and Research Farm, 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, GKF Executive Director 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.
Okotie stated that the facility integrates circular economy principles with climate-smart agriculture to reduce methane emissions, recover resources, and create green jobs.
He added that 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.
He thanked the university for partnering with the foundation, noting that the initiative would help change public perception of waste from an environmental burden to a valuable economic resource.
Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, described the project as a milestone in the university’s commitment to research, innovation, and community development.
Represented by Prof. Muhammad Ndagi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Fawehinmi said the initiative demonstrated that scientific innovation could transform waste into wealth while addressing environmental challenges.
He noted that the project is among the first MoUs signed since he assumed office and reaffirmed the university’s support for partnerships that promote sustainable waste-to-wealth initiatives.
The vice-chancellor encouraged students to leverage training opportunities at the facility to acquire entrepreneurial skills and become employers in the emerging green economy.
Prof. Akeem Oyerinde, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, highlighted that the project showcases research and innovation’s role in providing practical solutions to environmental and agricultural issues.
Oyerinde mentioned that initial skepticism about using insects to convert waste into valuable products has been dispelled by the project’s success.
He stated that the facility demonstrates how organic waste can be transformed into commercially viable resources while protecting the environment and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Mr. Jawad Ahmed, a representative of informal waste workers, commended GKF for involving waste collectors in the project, noting it improved their knowledge of proper waste management and increased their participation in the circular economy.
Ahmed said the initiative equipped waste workers with more sustainable methods of waste handling and created better livelihood opportunities.
The facility comprises a composting plant, a black soldier fly farm, a training and knowledge hub, and a zero-waste education center aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and behavioral change.
The project is supported by the Global Methane Hub and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, demonstrating how integrated waste management can boost economic resilience, food security, and climate action in Nigeria.
