Nigeria sets to implement Roadmap for Circular Economy in 2024

 .. to ban single use plastics in federal agencies - Dr.Kunle Salako 

Pic:L--R: CEO,Nesra,Prof. Aliyu Jauro, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, SSG,Mr Tunde Talabi, Deputy Governor, Engr.Noimot Salako-Oyedele Minister of State, Environment, Dr kunle Iziaq Salako, Dr. Eugene Itua,Deputy COS, Dr Emmanuel Taiwo, and PS,  Ogun State Min of Environment, Mr. Sam OySSGMr. Tunde  

The Minister of  State for Environment, Dr. Kunle Iziaq Salako has disclosed that the country is set to implement a roadmap for circular economy this year.

He added that the nation cannot avoid to sit back and conduct business as usual if a proper conceptualized method is not designed to fight environmental ills

Dr. Salako stated this while delivering a keynote address at the opening of a one day workshop organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, held on Tuesday at Providence Hotel, Abeokuta.

 The workshop with the  theme, Chemical and Waste Management: Circular Solution for a sustainable economy" had in attendance chemical handlers, users and other sectorial players in the manufacturing, industrial, environmental and agricultural sectors.

 Salako, who also disclosed that one recycling plant will soon be set up in each of the 774 local Government Areas to put in  place a community based waste management that will encourage modern waste management method such as waste sorting, segregation, recycling and raising consumer awareness for  sustainability and a desire for greater, safer and healthy environment in the country,also announced the ban of Single use plastic bottles in all  departments, agencies,  programmes and projects of federal ministries.

He added that a  memo to the effect will be presented at the Federal Executive Meeting to approve the ban.

 His word" This measure, though they are symbolic, they demonstrate a commitment to frontally tackle the  menace of environmental degradation and ills in our society. It is also a warning shot that the issues of environmental business in all sphere s won't remain business as usual. I also commend the immense actions and steps taking by state governments.

" Let me also use this opportunity to call all State agencies to immediately adopt the policy of banning single use plastics in all their offices, operations as a symbolic demonstration and preparation for the inevitable ban of Single use plastics   in our country "

Addressing the gathering,  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun  pledged to take bold steps in managing chemicals and waste in order to improve environmental governance and develop a sustainable economy.

Governor Abiodun while disclosing that investor-friendly policies had been put in place to support enterprises and reduce risks that industrial wastes might pose to residents noted that conventional linear approaches and circular solutions will be implemented.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun warned that, “Henceforth, every industry, individual or facility domiciled in the state, with the capacity to use and store chemicals are expected to submit inventory for monitoring, tracking, evaluation and waste management to the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA)”.

He assured the OGEPA of continuous support in its monitoring, enforcement, research, and development of alternate applications for waste. 

In his  welcome address, the State 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.