In a statement released on February 9, 2026, CAPPA highlighted the grave risks posed by PCBs, which are widely recognised as among the most hazardous industrial chemicals due to their high toxicity, persistence in the environment, and tendency to accumulate in living organisms. The organisation noted that PCBs have been scientifically linked to a range of severe health problems, including cancer, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive difficulties, and immune system damage. It added that when PCB-containing equipment and waste are improperly stored or disposed of, they can contaminate soil, surface water, and groundwater, posing long-term threats to public health and ecosystems.
CAPPA said the commissioning of the treatment facility marks a critical infrastructure milestone in Nigeria’s drive to address persistent organic pollutants. As a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Nigeria is legally obliged to eliminate PCBs, identify and label PCB-containing materials, and ensure their environmentally sound management and final disposal. The organisation said the new facility signals Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling these international obligations, as well as complying with its domestic regulatory framework under the National Environmental (PCBs Control and Disposal) Regulations, 2020.
“The commissioning of this treatment facility constitutes a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s compliance with both its international treaty obligations and its domestic regulations,” CAPPA said in its statement.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the facility validates the intent of the 2020 PCBs Control and Disposal Regulations and demonstrates the Federal Government’s readiness to operationalise environmentally sound management systems for hazardous chemical waste. He said the facility will significantly improve Nigeria’s capacity to treat, decontaminate, and safely dispose of PCB-containing equipment and waste, reducing occupational exposure, preventing environmental contamination, and mitigating long-term public health risks.
However, Oluwafemi warned that the existence of the facility alone will not be enough to ensure safe chemical management. He urged the Federal Government to ensure strict and system-wide compliance with all provisions of the 2020 regulations, including controls on the manufacture, importation, distribution, use, storage, transportation, discharge, and disposal of PCBs and PCB-containing products. He also called for the development of robust national inventories, effective monitoring and reporting systems, strong enforcement mechanisms, and the application of sanctions where necessary to guarantee compliance.
CAPPA further stressed the need for sustained investment, technical upgrades, and long-term operational sustainability of the facility. The organisation said adequate funding and skilled personnel are essential for achieving Nigeria’s PCB phase-out targets and unlocking the environmental, health, and socio-economic benefits associated with safe chemical management.
Reaffirming its role as a watchdog and advocate, CAPPA pledged continued engagement with government institutions, communities, and other stakeholders to advance environmental governance, chemical safety, and public participation, and to support Nigeria’s transition towards the complete and responsible elimination of PCBs.