An American company, Phoenix Environmental Services Limited is in the final stages of establishing a solid waste recycling plant in Aba, Abia State.

According to the contract Phoenix will manage solid waste generated in Aba and convert it into organic fertiliser, among other things. Nigeria has a massive shortage of fertiliser.

The company has already started with a pilot project and is waiting for the full scale plants which would be arriving in three months.

Norton Jessup, managing director of Phoenix said that since September 2007 the company has made massive inroads in reviving the dreadful waste conditions in Aba and is now waiting to move the project to full scale operation.

Similar opportunities for investment in waste management exist all over Nigeria and many states are actively seeking private sector participation in this area.