By Adeola Badru

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has called on Nigerian industries to accelerate the transition from traditional production models to circular economy practices and green financing mechanisms as part of efforts to promote sustainable development, environmental protection and long-term economic growth.

The call was made during a national workshop on “Circular Economy and Green Financing for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development” organised by NESREA in collaboration with Accappocco Global Services Nigeria Limited, held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The workshop, which brought together industry executives, policy makers, environmental experts and stakeholders, focused on practical strategies for reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, strengthening environmental compliance and promoting sustainable industrial practices across the country.

Presenting a paper titled, “Recap from Linear to Circular Economy – Practical Pathway for Industries”, environmental sustainability expert Janet Titilade Adeleke explained that the conventional “take-make-dispose” production model had become increasingly unsustainable amid growing resource scarcity, supply chain disruptions and global climate concerns.

She said industries must adopt circular economy principles that prioritise designing out waste, extending the lifespan of products and materials, and regenerating natural systems.

Adeleke noted that the transition presented significant opportunities for manufacturers to reduce material costs, minimise supply chain risks and create new sources of revenue while meeting environmental obligations.

According to her, “For decades, industries have relied on a linear economic model that extracts resources, manufactures products and ultimately discards them as waste.“

“However, the realities of resource scarcity, volatile supply chains and urgent climate goals make this approach unsustainable.“

“The circular economy offers industries a practical pathway to design out waste, keep materials in use for longer and regenerate natural systems while unlocking economic value.”

She added, “The shift from a linear to a circular economy is not merely an environmental obligation. It is also a strategic business opportunity that can lower production costs, improve resource efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and open up new revenue streams for industries.”

Speaking on “Environmental Sustainability Through Extended Producer Responsibility Compliance Requirements: Professional Engagement and Industrial Obligations”, the Unit Head, Pollution Control and Sanitation, NESREA South-West Zonal Office, Ibadan, Mr John Fadare, emphasised the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in ensuring that producers take responsibility for products throughout their entire lifecycle.

He said EPR sought to internalise the environmental costs associated with post-consumer waste management while promoting product designs that encourage waste prevention, reuse and recycling.

Fadare noted that the framework provided measurable targets for waste reduction and supports Nigeria’s drive towards a green economy.

He said, “The overall goal of Extended Producer Responsibility is to internalise the cost of managing end-of-life products by encouraging producers to incorporate environmental considerations from cradle to cradle.“

“It is a critical tool for reducing waste streams, promoting recycling and supporting sustainable product design.”

Fadare further stated, “EPR has become a driving force for pollution prevention and waste reduction across many industrial sectors. It encourages partnerships between government, businesses and communities, reduces the burden of waste management on municipalities and promotes cleaner production technologies and environmentally friendly products.”

Also speaking, Professor John Oyedepo, who delivered a presentation on “Spatial Technology as a Digital Tool for Circularity: Waste Tracking, EPR Registry and Data Reporting Systems”, highlighted the growing role of digital technologies in advancing circular economy systems.

He explained that spatial technology provided the traceability, accountability and transparency required for effective waste management and regulatory compliance.

Oyedepo pointed out that digital mapping and data reporting systems can significantly improve policy enforcement and support evidence-based decision-making.

He said, “Spatial technology has become central to modern circular economy systems because it enables real-time tracking, monitoring and reporting of waste streams and material flows. This enhances transparency, accountability and compliance across the industrial value chain.”

“By strengthening traceability and data management, spatial technology supports effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility programmes while providing regulators and industry operators with reliable information for decision-making and policy enforcement.”

Delivering a paper on “Government Policies, Regulations and Incentives for Sustainable Practice in an Industrial Ecosystem in Nigeria”, sustainability practitioner Alonge Olabimpe Ayobiyi outlined various incentives introduced by government to encourage environmentally responsible industrial practices.

She said these included tax reliefs for renewable energy projects, import duty waivers on green technologies, access to green financing and intervention funds, public-private partnerships for clean energy development, and recognition programmes for environmentally compliant organisations.

Ayobiyi, however, identified weak enforcement of environmental laws, high costs of sustainable technologies, inadequate infrastructure, poor environmental awareness, and limited technical expertise as major barriers to sustainability in Nigeria.

According to her, “Government policies and incentives are designed to encourage industries to adopt sustainable practices through renewable energy investments, green financing opportunities and support for environmentally responsible technologies.”

She continued, “Despite these opportunities, significant challenges remain, including weak enforcement mechanisms, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to technical and financial resources.“

“Addressing these gaps will require stronger collaboration between government, industries and other stakeholders.”

Ayobiyi stressed that strengthening environmental governance, increasing investment in renewable energy, expanding environmental education programmes and promoting circular economy initiatives would be crucial to improving sustainability outcomes across Nigeria’s industrial sector.

She said, “Sustainable industrial practice is essential not only for environmental protection but also for economic growth. Government policies provide the framework, but meaningful progress will depend on collective action and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.”

Earlier, organisers said the workshop was designed to create awareness of circular economy principles and green financing opportunities, equip participants with practical knowledge on waste and emissions reduction, and encourage industries to redesign production systems for greater resource efficiency and sustainability.

Participants were also exposed to strategies for closed-loop industrial processes, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, green manufacturing and regulatory compliance, with the aim of enhancing business competitiveness while supporting Nigeria’s sustainable development objectives.