The federal government has announced plans to establish recycling plants in each of the 774 LGAs in the country 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 Users’ workshop.
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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’.
Delivering his keynote address, Salako said the Federal Ministry of Environment, as part of its deliverables under the eight 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 obstacles to the implementation of a circular economy in the country.
He said the ministry is taking proactive measures to promote sound circular economic 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 LGAs 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.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said Ogun State which “is progressively shaped by industrialization and increased waste generation, and the responsible management of chemicals and waste has become paramount.”
He said the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) will continue to ensure that chemical wastes generated within and around the state are effectively managed to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all and also prevent improper handling storage, disposal of chemicals and wastes.
Daily Trust
