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The Federal Government on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Abuja unveiled the first Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) treatment centres as part of a national project to eliminate the harmful chemicals and protect public health and the environment.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said the unveiling of the facility was a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public health protection, in line with our national development priorities and global obligations.
The PCBs Treatment Facility is situated in Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Abuja.
It was established under Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and support from the Environmentally Sound Management and Disposal of PCBs Project in Nigeria.
The minister said the centre would strengthen national capacity for the management and environmentally sound disposal of PCBs and other Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
PCBs are man-made while the POPs, once widely used in electrical equipment (transformers, capacitors) and other products (paints, plastics, carbon paper) for their fire-resistant and cooling properties.
However, it was banned in the 70s due to their toxicity and long-term environmental persistence.
“PCBs are highly hazardous pollutants that poses serious risks to human health, biodiversity, and the entire environment.
“When improperly handled or disposed of, they can cause severe illnesses such as cancer and reproductive disorders, as well as long-term damage to ecosystems.
“They are also a major cause of soil, water, and food contamination, which threatens the well-being of present and future generations.
“Nigeria is a committed Party to the Stockholm Convention on POPs; we are therefore obligated to eliminate and manage PCBs in an environmentally friendly manner.
“This treatment facility is a direct demonstration of our dedication to meeting these obligations and building lasting institutional capacity,” the minister said.
Lawal said that the facility was more than a technical installation; it represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s capacity to manage hazardous materials domestically.
He added that, by enabling the decontamination and environmentally sound treatment of PCBs, it will prevent further contamination of our environment and food systems, thereby reducing health risks to workers and surrounding communities.
“This facility is a direct pathway to generating more green jobs, driving Nigeria’s broader transition towards a circular economy, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of all,” the minister explained.
Mrs. Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme, said that the facility is Nigeria’s first and West Africa’s first ever PCBs treatment facility.
“PCBs project is a powerful demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to environmental sustainability, public health protection, and global compliance under the Stockholm Convention.
“Today’s commissioning is more than an environmental achievement. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
The State of the Art Facility positions Nigeria as a regional leader in hazardous waste management, while opening new opportunities for job creation .
“I can only say that by investing in this facility, Nigeria is protecting its people and environment while safeguarding the productivity of its workforce and reducing future public health burdens,” Attafuah said.
Dr Osu Inya Otu, the National Programme Officer for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Nigeria, stated that PCBs cause health risks, such as liver damage, immune systems, chronic conditions and other problems.
“We are all aware that PCBs are a group of toxic, man-made organic chemicals used for their stability and electrical insulation properties in conformance to our particular potential needs.
“We have been working in Nigeria with private sector, various partners and stakeholders, state and federal government. Currently UNIDO signed its programme for country partnership from 2024 to 2028 with the federal government of Nigeria,” he said.
Dr Abayomi Orishadipe, Acting Director General, SHESTCO, said that the facility would make Nigeria’s environment safe.
“We have a lot of capability for proper maintenance of the facility, so we are ready to continue to collaborate with the project, with this, we know that definitely we’re going to mitigate the effect of harmful practices on our society,” he assured.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the PCBs are well known for their toxic, parasitic and viral accumulating properties which documented links to cancer, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental disorders and other adverse health outcomes.
Pate was represented by Mrs Adeola Olufowobi Director Food, Chemical, Cosmetics and Water Safety Division (Food & Drugs Services Department) in the Ministry.
He said that the facility marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to sound chemical and waste management, environmental protection and public health security.
“The establishment of these PCBs treatment activities demonstrate our collective resource to eliminate persistent organic pollutants and to reduce health and environmental risks associated with astronauts’ aircraft.
“Their improper handling or disposal poses serious risk not only to the ecosystems but also to inherent health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women and frontline workers,” Pate stated.
Mrs Bahijjahtu Abubakar, the Director, Department of Pollution and Control in the Ministry of Environment assured that the ministry would replicate the facility in the six geo-political zones of the country because the present facility cannot take care of unused oils and the transformers in the country.
Mrs Agnes Aneke. Operational Focal Point (GEF) said that climate change is real and that whether we like it or not we must manage the situation, however expressed satisfaction with the facility saying it will restore Nigeria’s ecosystem.
Etsu Kwali, Luka Ayedo Nizassan III, expressed satisfaction with the project and assured the maintenance and sustenance of the facility in the area.
By Abigael Joshua
