The Federal Government is taking 1a proactive measures to promote sound circular economy principles and practices in the country.
The Minister of State for Environment Dr. Iziao Kunle Salako made this disclosure known during the Environmental Protection Agency’s Second Chemical Handler and Users Workshop at Ogun State.
The Minister said building the capacity of manufacturers and producers to embrace the principles of cleaner production and circular economy in their operations.
“Enforcing national policies on chemicals management, solid waste management, plastic waste management and battery waste management.
He noted that Implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme and developing a waste to wealth entrepreneurship programme for the empowerment of the most vulnerable group in the society.
“Putting in place a national plastic waste recycling programme aimed at establishing at least one plastic recycling plant in each of the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.
According to him, 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.
Dr Salako also raise consumer awareness around sustainable purchasing practices by increasing consumer demand for greener, safer and healthier services and products.
The ministry set up a “Circular Nigeria Committee” to come up with innovative, inclusive, locally acceptable, business friendly and scalable ways to implement the Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap.
“Symbolic demonstration of our commitment to frontally tackle the plastic waste menace in our environment and a warning shot that waste generation and management in our country cannot remain business as usual.
The Minister urged everyone to take responsibility and maximize all the opportunities that sustainable chemicals and waste management have to offer to build a healthy population and economy.
“Let us adopt best practices that will ensure that the production and use of chemicals and goods does not lead to adverse effects on human health and the environment.
