Packaging Waste Collection Hub: NECA Lauds Coca-Cola System in Nigeria

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has lauded the Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), its authorised bottler, on the commissioning of its state-of-the-art Packaging Waste Collection Hub in Apapa, Lagos.

Speaking during the hub’s commissioning on Friday, January 31, 2025, the Director General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, described the hub as a groundbreaking investment that will redefine environmental sustainability and create direct and indirect jobs by supporting over 1,000 waste collectors, over 70 green entrepreneurs, and many others.

Smatt-Oyerinde stated that the collection hub, with the capacity to process 13,000 metric tonnes (MT) of plastic bottles annually, is a game changer and a bold statement by the Coca-Cola System as a responsible organisation.

“As the focal voice of business in Nigeria, NECA is proud of this laudable investment by the Coca-Cola System in Nigeria; this initiative is a testament that the Coca-Cola System is not just interested in profit but committed to its environmental stewardship and sustainability. With this initiative, the Coca-Cola System has raised the bar and set a new environmental responsibility benchmark,” he said.

He then called on the government, both at the state and federal levels, to recognise and encourage the company for this laudable initiative, motivating them to do more and inspiring others to consider this kind of investment, which will help to improve the environment and create wealth.

He described the establishment of the Packaging Collection Hub as a clear demonstration of Coca-Cola System’s commitment to driving more investment in Nigeria in line with the $1.5 Billion investment pledge made by the company to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a recent visit to him in Abuja by the leadership of the company.