In an effort to combat the global climate change crisis, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited has partnered with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance of Nigeria to launch a waste recycling programme at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal two in Ikeja, Lagos.
FBRAN, which represents a coalition of 29 member companies including the Nigerian Bottling Company, Nestle Plc, Nigerian Breweries, and 7-Up Bottling Company, has a partnership with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Ogun State Waste Management Authority, and Abuja Municipal Waste Management Authority, as well as international partners such as the United Nations Development Organisation and the World Bank.
The collaboration aims to mitigate and prevent climate change through the reduction of plastic waste pollution and other environmental initiatives.
According to a statement from Bi-Courtney, the recently launched project aims to smartly manage and sort the over 1,000 kg of waste generated daily by the more than 10,000 users of the airport terminal, including passengers, vendors, shoppers, and employees.
It stated the waste would be converted into valuable resources, promoting a sustainable approach to waste management.
BASL’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, Ms Tosan Duncan, noted that the Green Project Launch at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two was part of the organisation’s commitment to addressing the global crisis of climate change and its adverse effects.
She highlighted that the initiative positioned the terminal strategically to contribute to the global campaign against plastic pollution and its harmful impacts on both humans and the environment.
Duncan emphasised the importance of collaboration and awareness to drive such campaigns throughout society, stressing the need for a better environment and the safety of the people.
She stated that the partnership aimed to prevent famine, dirt, and exposure to health hazards caused by unacceptable waste practices.
BASL’s Head of Safety, Mrs Nafisat Adeniran, restated the company’s commitment to proper waste disposal and management through extensive sensitisation programmes at the terminal.
She highlighted the importance of effective waste management in mitigating global catastrophes caused by people’s harmful relationship with the environment.
Adeniran also expressed her appreciation for the donation of recycling bins by FBRAN and its commitment to making the go-green project at the terminal a reality.
The Executive Secretary of FBRAN, Ms Agharese Onaghise, mentioned the significance of the Green Project Launch at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, noting that it is the first of its kind in any airport terminal in Nigeria. The project not only contributes to health and safety measures within the terminal but also aligns with global best practices for environmental friendliness and sustainability.
She explained that the initiative aimed to separate waste at its source for efficient management, reusability, and prevention of health hazards associated with improper disposal.
“Properly managed waste prevents harmful gaseous discharges, foul odors, and environmental untidiness, which can lead to reputational crises for organisations,” she stated.
Furthermore, she explained the economic value of properly separated waste, noting that reusable items could be sold to collection partners.
“West African Energy has been identified as the collection partner for this project, offering incentives for the sorted waste they pick up. The terminal’s new environmental program charges fees to vessels based on their emissions, which can then be used to finance environmental initiatives that align with the organization’s corporate goals. This innovative approach not only promotes better environmental practices, but will also enable the terminal to take a more active role in sustainability efforts.
The event witnessed the presence of janitorial partners and food vendors such as KFC, Indomie Cafe, and Chicken Republic, who had been trained to effectively utilise the new recycling bins.
According BASL’s Head of Safety, food vendors are important to the success of the project being the largest generators of waste in the terminal and their commitment to waste management practices is vital.
