Nigeria To Develop Policies, Programmes To Support Circular Economy

By Zeniat Abubakar Abuja 

 

 

 

 

The Nigerian Government is developing policies, programs, and partnerships to support the circular economy.

 

Director General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency in Nigeria, NESREA,Dr Innocent Barikor stated this at the media dialogue on circular economy held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

 

He said that the government would also invest in waste management infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, and encouraging private sector innovation.

 

Dr Barikor also pointed out that the dialogue was intended to deepen the knowledge of journalists and enable them to understand the concept of Circular Economy.

 

“This has become very essential as we continue to work together to promote sustainable development of our dear country,” Dr. Barikor said, expressing his delight at having journalists attend the media dialogue.

 

“Since my resumption as the Director General of NESREA, I have had the opportunity to encounter many of you at different events and activities in the environment sector, and I have marveled at your interest and dedication to issues pertaining to the environment.”

 

“I have seen your passion as you seek knowledge and clarification. I have also seen, listened and read your reports which show the depth of your understanding.” He stated.

 

Dr Barikor also noted that Circular Economy is a sustainable economic model that aims to reduce waste and the consumption of resources by promoting the reuse, recycling, and refurbishment of products.

 

He added that the model seeks to keep products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and pollution.

 

“Nigeria has since embraced the circular economy model, with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) spearheading the initiative, Through its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, the Agency has launched the implementation of circular economy principles nationwide.

 

“The Programme places an emphasis on shared responsibility, sustainability and environmental stewardship, It effectively extends the responsibility of manufacturers, producers and importers beyond production and sales, and makes them responsible for the total life cycle of their products.

 

“Under the take-back mechanism, the EPR ensures that these products do not end up in the dump sites but rather become secondary raw materials for some other products,” he said.

 

According to him, “Circular Economy aligns with five of the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

These are SDG 13- Climate Action; SDG 12-Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 9- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 6- Clean Water and Sanitation.”

 

He explained that circular economy also synchronizes with the Eight-point Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, particularly in the areas of, Economic Growth and Job Creation, Food Security and Ending Poverty.

 

Director partnership and Education, NESREA, Mrs. Bintu Kolo Mohammed said that the media dialogue was intended to bring journalists up to speed on the Circular Economy model in Nigeria, which is being implemented under the Extended Producer Responsibility Programme, (EPR).

 

According to her, the EPR Programme is already being implemented in some key sectors including the Food and Beverages, Battery, Used Tyres, and Electrical/ Electronics.

 

 

“Circular Economy represents more than just a shift in how we manage resources; it’s a fundamental change in how we think about our relationship with the environment. It is a departure from the linear model “take-make-use-dispose” to a model which allows us to re-design our products so that they can be reused, recycled, refurbished and repurposed in a way that helps to regenerate our natural resources in a closed loop.” He explained.

 

In a paper presentation, Mr. Isa Abdusalaam, said that collaboration with research institutions was crucial to developing innovative technologies for recycling and resource recovery.

 

He also pointed out that role of the media was valuable in promoting awareness, capacity building, advocating for sustainable practices.

 

The Media Dialogue is to spotlight innovative practices and collaborative efforts that are paving the way for a more sustainable future.

 

The goal is to explore how Nigerians can integrate these principles into daily lives and businesses.

 

 

 

 

 

Oyenike Oyeniyi