The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has lauded the Coca-Cola system in Nigeria on the inauguration of its state-of-the-art packaging waste collection hub in the Apapa area of Lagos State.

Coca-Cola system comprises Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd. and Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), its authorised bottler.

NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, in a statement on Wednesday, described the hub as a groundbreaking investment.

According to him, the investment will redefine environmental sustainability and create direct and indirect jobs by supporting over 1,000 waste collectors, over 70 green entrepreneurs, and many others.

He stated, “The collection hub, with the capacity to process 13,000 metric tonnes 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 system has raised the bar and set a new environmental responsibility benchmark.’’

The director-general urged the federal and state governments to recognise and encourage the system for the laudable initiative.

He also urged the governments to motivate the company to do more and inspire others to consider such investment to help improve the environment and create wealth.

“The establishment of the packaging collection hub is a clear demonstration of the Coca-Cola system’s commitment to driving more investment in Nigeria.

“This is 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,” Mr Oyerinde said. 

(NAN)