Plastic pollution: FG to set up recycling plants in 774 LGs
-Atleast, one plant in each LGA
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Federal Government has announced plans to establish recycling plants in 774 local government areas.
The initiative is part of efforts to effectively manage waste for sustainable environment and also boost local economy.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, on Tuesday spoke during the second edition of the Chemical Handlers and User’s workshop held in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.
The workshop with the theme “Chemicals and Waste Management: Circular Solutions for a Sustainable Economy” was organized by Ogun State government and the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA).
Mr Salako during his keynote speech made available to Irohinoodua said the implementation of the circular economy roadmap for Nigeria this year is set to commence fully.
He said insufficient funds dedicated to promoting the concept, inadequate and unaffordable recycling technologies are part of the obstacles in achieving the circular economy.
He said a national plastic waste recycling programme will be established where at least one plastic recycling plant will be created in each of the 774 local government areas.
A 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 will be put in place, the Minister said.
The Minister told the audience that despite these challenges, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is resolute in achieving a clean circular and buoyant economy for the nation and therefore, my Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Environment as part of its deliverables under the eight presidential priority areas is expected to commence the full implementation of the circular economy roadmap for the country this 2024.
“Consequently, the ministry is taking proactive measures to promote sound circular economy principles and practices in the country. These measures include: Strengthening relevant policies, and institutional and regulatory framework to address identified gaps” he added.
“Developing and implementing 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.
“Putting in place a 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. Raising consumer awareness around sustainable purchasing practices by increasing consumer demand for greener, safer and healthier services and products.” He explained.