The Federal Government on Tuesday announced plans to establish recycling plants in each of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, as part of efforts to promote circular economy.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, disclosed this in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the Chemical handlers and user’s workshop.

The workshop 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.”

Delivering his keynote address, Salako 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.

“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 principle 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.

”And most especially, “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 as well as Raising consumer awareness around sustainable purchasing practices by increasing consumer demand for greener, safer and healthier services and products,” he said.

He said the workshop’s theme focused on a key element of sustainable development, which is at the core of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to revitalize our nation’s economy.

In his welcome address, the 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. (Daily Trust)

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