Experts urged to do more in addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges

Experts in the environmental sector have been urged to make meaningful contributions in addressing the environmental challenges in Nigeria, particularly its plastic pollution.

The Minister of Environment Mr Mohammed Abdullahi stated this at the National stakeholder’s meeting on the development of guidelines on Nigeria’s plastic waste policy under the project “Promoting sustainable plastic value chain through circular economy practices” held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Mr Abdullahi noted that plastic has become an integral part of society due to its wide range of uses and economic benefits.

“This national stakeholder’s consultative meeting is therefore organized to sensitize all relevant stakeholders on the need for the development of guidelines on Nigeria’s plastic waste management policy and have their strong buy-in and inputs for an all-inclusive document.

Mr Abdullahi also used the opportunity to thank UNIDO and the government of Japan for their unwavering support to Nigeria in addressing the numerous environmental challenges, particularly plastic pollution.

He equally appreciated the presence of other key development partners and other participants both from the public and private sectors present.

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Mr Abdullahi said the Ministry has taken “proactive measures to promote, institutionalize and entrench sound circular economy principles and practices in the country.”

He noted that “the large volume of plastic waste being generated in the country presents circular economic business opportunities across the plastic value chain which should be properly harnessed for job/wealth creation, the establishment of micro, small and medium scale enterprises, private sector investment including foreign direct investment in addition to preventing/reducing plastic leakages to the environment.”

Strong impactful policies

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO Representatives and Regional Director Nigeria Office, Mr Jean Bakole said that there is a need to put in place strong, strategic and impactful policies through more innovative initiatives that will lead to higher resource use, efficiency and a significant reduction of solid waste.

He reaffirmed UNIDO ’s commitment to working with the Federal and State governments and relevant stakeholders for the implementation of the upcoming, programme for country partnership, PCP where a sustainable environment is seen as a major area of achieving an inclusive and sustainable industrial development without compromising the quality of the environment.

“I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate the Honorable Minister and Minister of State for Environment for recording another milestone project for Nigeria. I would like to appreciate Abuja Environment Protection Board, AEPB, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Environment Protection Board (LASEPA), Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and other key institutions/actors in Nigeria for their role in the success of this project.

“We also appreciate the Ambassador and the Government of Japan for the financial contribution towards this project and its support to UNIDO and partnership enjoyed through the decades,” Bakole said.

The Project

The project began in December 2022 and falls under UNIDO’s framework of cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria and financial support from the Government of Japan.

The project implementation model promotes cooperation between the Federal and State Governments (including the FCT), and the organized private sector with the technical support of UNIDO.

Emmanuel Ukoh