Implementing industrial ecology in the Nigerian free trade zones

This article investigates the possibility of implementing Industrial Ecology (IE) principles in the Nigerian Free Trade Zones. The concept of ‘eco-industrial parks’ (EIPs) aims to reconstruct industrial zones where waste or by-products of company can be used as resources by another business; this is also regarded as industrial symbiosis. Based on the activities of the industrial firms occupying the Calabar and Lekki Free Trade Zones in Nigeria; I have brought to light the opportunities industrial symbiosis could offer to industries located in the Nigerian Free Trade Zone. Free Economic Zone (FEZ) has a long history and plays a more important role in the world economy. Most studies have focused on the theoretical analysis of benefit and cost as well as the economic role of FEZ in the developing countries with little or no attempt on the significance of having sound environmental practices in such places. IE principles since it came to light, has been considered a powerful tool that will help humanity to proffer solution to many environmental problems resulting from industrial activities by having a holistic view of the industrial system. By adopting IE principles; industrial systems in the Nigerian FEZ can gain appreciable cost savings from reduced waste management, reduced infrastructure costs and improved process and product efficiency. This paper, therefore invites discussion on the possibility of implementing industrial ecology principles in the free trade zones of the developing economies of the world with particular emphasis on Nigeria. It demonstrates through industrial symbiosis the likely benefits that might accrue to the owners of businesses in the free zones if due consideration is given to implementing basic principles of heat and material exchange in such places. It is hoped that by bringing into light these benefits; the free zone might be considered an opportunity to promote sound environmental practices in developing economies like Nigeria and thus contribute to the ‘win-win’ of eco efficiency and reducing overall cost of running industrial systems in the developing economies.