….announces plans to establish recycling plants in 774 LGs

By James Ogunnaike

ABEOKUTA: The federal government has disclosed that Nigeria generates about 32 million tons of solid waste per year, with its negative effects on citizens’ health and environment.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, who made the disclosure in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the Chemical handlers and users’ workshop,
announced the federal government’s plans to establish recycling plants in all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, as part of efforts to promote circular economy.

The workshop was organised by the Ogun State government and the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) with the theme “Chemicals and Waste Management: Circular Solutions for a Sustainable Economy.”

Salako, who delivered the keynote address at the workshop, said the Federal Ministry of Environment as part of its deliverables under the 8 presidential priority areas is expected to commence the full implementation of the circular economy roadmap for Nigeria this year .

He identified inadequate policy, legal and regulatory framework, insufficient funds dedicated to promoting the concept, inadequate and unaffordable recycling technologies, dearth of information on alternatives, low level public awareness and inadequate data, as part of several obstacles to the implementation of a circular economy in Nigeria.

According to him, the ministry is taking proactive measures to promote sound circular economy principles and practices in the country, including putting in place a national plastic waste recycling programme, aimed at establishing at least one plastic recycling plant in each of the 774 local government areas in the country.

Salako said, the government will also put in place a community-based waste management programme that encourages the involvement of local communities in modern waste management practices such as waste sorting, segregation, composting and recycling.

The Minister said, “Despite these challenges, the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is resolute in achieving a clean circular and buoyant economy for the nation and therefore, my Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Environment as part of its deliverables under the 8 presidential priority areas is expected to commence the full implementation of the circular economy roadmap for the country this 2024.

“You are all aware that Nigeria is one of the fastest growing countries in the world with a population of over 200 million, generating about 32 million tons of solid waste per year with little or no segregation and the waste often dumped in open spaces, sometimes with hazardous materials and burnt openly”.

“These unwholesome practices have been linked to perennial flooding across the country, increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increased incidences of cancer, loss of aquatic life, and agricultural productivity”.

“Consequently, the ministry is taking proactive measures to promote sound circular economy principles and practices in the country. These measures include: strengthening relevant policies, and institutional and regulatory framework to address identified gaps.

“Building the capacity of manufacturers and producers to embrace the principles of cleaner production and circular economy in their operations.

“Developing and implementing a waste-to-wealth entrepreneurship programme for the empowerment of the most vulnerable group in the society.

“Putting in place a national plastic waste recycling programme aimed at establishing at least one plastic recycling plant in each of the 774 local government areas in the country.

“Putting in place a community-based waste management programme that encourages the involvement of local communities in modern waste management practices such as waste sorting, segregation, composting and recycling. Raising consumer awareness around sustainable purchasing practices by increasing consumer demand for greener, safer and healthier services and products.”

The President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continue to demonstrate his full commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action through his policies, plans of action, his pronouncement and strategic presence in global events.

“The transition to a circular economy is a collective action. As a sector and as individuals, I urge you all to take responsibility. There is no sure way of enjoying tomorrow other than tendering today, our environment. Therefore, let us maximize all the opportunities that sustainable chemicals and waste management have to offer to build a healthy population and economy.

“Let us adopt best practices that will ensure that the production and use of chemicals and goods does not lead to adverse effects on human health and the environment”.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya said Ogun State which “is progressively shaped by industrialization and increased waste generation, the responsible management of chemicals and waste has become paramount.”

Oresanya said, that Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) will continue its effort to ensure that chemical wastes generated within and around the State are effectively managed to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all and as well prevent improper handling storage, disposal of chemicals and wastes.