Netherlands Mission Boosts Anambra’s Drive Toward Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability

 

Anambra State is gaining international recognition in its quest for a greener, more sustainable future. This week, the southeastern Nigerian state played host to a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, signaling a significant step forward in the region’s transition toward a circular economy.

The two-day mission, led by Mr. Opeyemi Oriniowo, brought together stakeholders from both countries with a shared goal: to cultivate a robust ecosystem for recycling, waste management, and sustainability. Alongside Mr. Oriniowo were Dr. Natalie Beinisch, a renowned expert in circular economy innovation, and Mr. Baloluwa Dairo, both integral members of the Dutch delegation.

The initiative, Mr. Oriniowo disclosed, has been in the pipeline for over two years. The groundwork laid during that time culminated in this mission, aimed at creating lasting partnerships that would stimulate investment and policy alignment between the Netherlands and Anambra. Speaking at several engagements, Mr. Oriniowo emphasized the Netherlands’ readiness to back Anambra’s green transformation with support from both public and private sectors.

Central to the mission’s agenda is the adoption of an “ecosystem approach”—a model that brings government agencies, private sector actors, and communities together under a common sustainability platform. According to Mr. Oriniowo, this collective effort is expected to accelerate Anambra’s transition to a Net Zero economy and open up direct trade channels in the circular economy space.

A key moment of the visit was a strategic stakeholders’ meeting with the Anambra State government. Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental preservation. Dr. Ibezim pointed to ongoing projects, notably the regeneration of the sprawling Okpoko slum, as proof of the administration’s resolve to transform Anambra into a cleaner, more resilient state.

Dr. Natalie Beinisch, who leads the Circular Economy Innovation Platform, stressed that the mission’s core focus was to improve waste recovery systems, advance plastic recycling, and help refine state-wide policies that govern environmental sustainability. Her emphasis on policy reform as a backbone for circular economic growth resonated deeply with local stakeholders.

The mission was met with strong local support, particularly from Dr. Felix Odimegwu, Anambra’s Commissioner for Environment. He spotlighted ongoing initiatives that align with the Dutch vision, including the state-backed Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA). This initiative, which involves all 179 communities in the state, incentivizes residents to collect and trade recyclable plastics—boosting employment while reducing environmental waste.

According to Dr. Odimegwu, the state government is creating fertile ground for recycling enterprises to thrive, and it remains open to further collaborations aimed at overcoming infrastructural and logistical hurdles in the sector.

As part of their immersive experience, the Dutch team toured a number of notable recycling hubs across Anambra, including The Green Republic Recycling Hub in Amansea, the Awka Dump Site, Intentional Recycling Hub, and Carbon Africa Recycling Hub. Other key stops included Rotic Aluminium Extrusion in Agu Awka, Krisoral Group of Companies and VinVal Recycling Industries in Onitsha, as well as Zec Recycling Industries in Nkpor and Starrich Recycling Industries.

The mission drew a diverse group of participants from Anambra’s environmental and waste management sectors. Among them were Dr. Emma Ezenwaji, Chairman of the ASWAMA Board; Hon. Mike Ozoemena, MD/CEO of ASWAMA; Amb. Philip Obuezi, Founder of SWEEP; Prince Chris Azor, a member of the ASWAMA Board; Mr. Tochukwu Obodogha, Permanent Secretary; and Dr. Ijeoma Onyenwelum, Head of Ecology, among others.

The resounding theme throughout the engagements was one of partnership, innovation, and shared purpose. As Anambra continues its push toward environmental renewal, the Netherlands has emerged as a strategic ally—ready to invest in the people, the policy, and the planet.