The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon Terseer Ugbor, has proposed an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Bill to strengthen the legal framework for sustainable waste management across the country.
Ugbor made this known during his goodwill remarks at the launch of waste battery receptacles for small-sized batteries, an initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling, held in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
The proposed legislation seeks to provide clear guidelines on the management of various waste streams, ensuring that producers, manufacturers, businesses, and consumers collectively take responsibility for the lifecycle of products they introduce into the environment.
He emphasised the need for strong collaboration between the legislative and executive arms of government in advancing environmental governance, “expressing confidence that the EPR Act will transform waste management in Nigeria and stand as one of the most ambitious environmental agendas of the 10th Assembly once passed into law.”
According to Ugbor, the bill represents a critical step toward institutionalising accountability in waste generation and disposal, while aligning Nigeria with global best practices in environmental governance.
He emphasised the importance of synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government in driving environmental reforms, expressing optimism that the EPR Bill would emerge as one of the most ambitious environmental initiatives of the 10th National Assembly.
“The proposed framework will move Nigeria away from the traditional linear economy model toward a circular economy, where resource efficiency, sustainability, and environmental responsibility are prioritised,” he said.
If passed into law, the EPR Act is expected to redefine waste management practices in Nigeria, promote sustainable production patterns, and strengthen the country’s commitment to environmental protection.