Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Genesis Power and Energy Solutions Ltd have entered a strategic partnership to establish one of Africa’s largest state-of-the-art recycled PET (rPET) production facilities in Nigeria.

Located in Lagos, the site represents an investment to develop a facility capable of producing up to 45,000 tons of food grade rPET resin yearly, with start up targeted in the first half of 2027, a statement by the partners said.By converting post consumer PET bottles into high quality recycled material for packaging applications.

The initiative aims to meet fast rising demand for recycled content, reduce plastic waste and create local value through improved collection systems.

The project is expected to support recycling capacity in Nigeria, subject to regulatory approvals, technical validation and operational implementation.

Together, the partners aim to establish commercially viable rPET operations that enable responsible growth and long-term environmental impact.

Commenting on the landmark partnership, Executive President of Petchem and Chairman of ESG Council at Indorama Ventures, Yash Lohia, said: “This partnership marks a defining milestone in our global recycling journey. By establishing our largest recycling facility to date and one of the largest rPET sites in Africa, we are bringing Indorama Ventures’ global expertise, proven technologies and long-term vision for circularity to a region with immense growth potentials.

This investment reflects our belief that scaling sustainability solutions locally is essential to building resilient, sustainable packaging systems that deliver lasting environmental and economic value.”

Chairman and CEO of Genesis Energy, Akinwole II Omoboriowo, said: “This compelling initiative demonstrates Genesis’s commitment to deploying capital to climate-resilient investments by leveraging clean energy as a strategic nexus to advancing viable economic opportunities.

The investment is also a testament to how cross-sector partnerships can enable sustainable industrial development. By combining circular economy principles with resilient infrastructure and energy solutions, the initiative supports long-term environmental impact and local value creation.”

Peter Obi said on Friday that Nigeria’s recurring vulnerability to global economic shocks, particularly in the energy sector, is a direct consequence of poor planning and the absence of strategic buffers.

Obi made the observation in a post on his official X while reacting to the recent increase in fuel prices in the country, following rising tensions involving Iran which pushed global crude oil prices upward.

According to him, petrol, which sold for less than ₦1,000 per litre only a few weeks ago, now costs over ₦1,200 per litre in many parts of the country.

Diesel prices have also surged from below ₦1,000 per litre to more than ₦1,500 per litre within the same isglobal developments can impact Nigeria’s economy.

Obi explained that many countries across the world, whether they are oil-producing nations or not, maintain strategic petroleum reserves to cushion the impact of supply disruptions or sudden price spikes in the global market.

Such reserves, he noted, allow governments to release stored fuel during crises in order to stabilise supply and moderate price increases.

However, he said Nigeria lacks such a buffer, leaving the country immediately exposed whenever global oil prices rise or geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the situation highlights a broader issue of inadequate long-term planning in the country’s economic management.

“Countries that plan build buffers against shocks, while those that fail to plan remain vulnerable,” Obi stated.

He added the recurring fuel price hikes affecting Nigerians underscore the need for more deliberate and strategic economic planning.

He reiterated his position that with prudent management of resources and proper planning, Nigeria can build stronger economic safeguards and reduce its exposure to external shocks

Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, said that the Senate will pass the 2026 Appropriation Bill on March 31.

Earlier, the Senate Committee on Appropriations had tentatively fixed Tuesday, March 17, for the final consideration and passage of the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill.

Speaking before the Senate adjourned plenary for the Sallah break, Akpabio said that the standing committees would continue working during the recess, particularly on ongoing budget defence sessions and coordination with the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

He said: “I hope the Leader will put pressure on the Committee on Appropriations to harmonise the report of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by that date.

“This is so that when we resume, we can try our best to pass the budget without requiring further concurrence or harmonisation.

“Leadership must work together to ensure everything is in order. The House of Representatives has already adjourned to conclude budget processes and will also reconvene on March 31.

“On that day, we hope to pass the national budget in tandem with the Senate,” said Akpabio.