The Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) has reinforced its pivotal role in Nigeria's environmental sustainability drive with a major community recycling event in Lagos. The alliance's 2025 Christmas Buyback Program, held in Somolu Local Government Area, concluded with substantial waste recovery and impressive public turnout.
Strong Turnout and High-Level Support Mark Event
The exercise took place on 18 December 2025 at 20 Anifowoshe Street, Somolu. It successfully attracted a diverse crowd of more than 240 local residents. Participants included youth groups, women, artisans, and business owners from the area.
The event also drew significant institutional presence. Key dignitaries in attendance were:
- Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy.
- Officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment.
- Representatives from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
- Personnel from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
- Delegates from the Somolu Local Government and the Community Development Council.
- Staff and volunteers from FBRA member companies.
Community Engagement and Waste Recovery Results
Following official welcomes and stakeholder remarks, FBRA led an impactful one-hour environmental awareness walk. This activity engaged community members directly, educating households on the crucial economic and environmental benefits of proper waste segregation and recycling.
The core buyback session yielded outstanding results. By the end of the day, FBRA had collected 1.8 metric tons of post-consumer packaging waste. The recovered materials comprised a mix of valuable recyclables:
- PET bottles
- Glass bottles
- Aluminium cans
- Used beverage cartons
- Various other packaging materials
Trashusers, FBRA's designated collection partner for the initiative, will process all recovered materials. This ensures the waste is diverted from landfills and drainage systems and is instead fed back into the production cycle as part of a functional circular economy.
Driving Extended Producer Responsibility Forward
The Somolu Christmas Buyback is a practical demonstration of FBRA's mission to aid its member companies in meeting their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations. Agharese Lucia Onaghise, the Executive Director of FBRA, emphasised this point, noting that such grassroots programs are essential for building effective national recycling systems.
Through consistent community engagement and locally-driven initiatives, FBRA continues to promote responsible waste management culture across Nigeria. The alliance has expressed its gratitude to the Somolu Local Government, community leaders, partners, and residents for their enthusiastic cooperation.
FBRA reaffirmed its commitment to replicating and expanding this environmental impact model to more communities across Lagos State and beyond, championing a cleaner, more sustainable future.
