FG: We’ll implement circular economy to improve plastic, solid waste management

Iziaq Salako, minister of state for environment, says the federal government will commence the full implementation of the circular economy roadmap for the country this year. 

Salako spoke at the second edition of the “Chemical handlers & users’ workshop” organised by the Ogun state Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

The minister said the federal ministry of environment has set up a “circular Nigeria committee” to promote sound circular economy principles and practices in the country.

Salako said the ministry will prioritise waste-to-wealth and waste-to-energy initiatives and programmes as part of efforts to encourage circular management of waste. 

The minister said a ban has been placed on the usage of single-use plastics (SUPs) in all departments, agencies, programmes and projects of the ministry.

He urged all ministries of the environment to implement the same policy “in preparation for the inevitable ban of single-use plastics in our country”.

“The federal ministry of environment as part of its deliverables under the 8 presidential priority areas is expected to commence the full implementation of the circular economy roadmap for the country this 2024,” he said.

“The ministry is taking proactive measures to promote sound circular economy practices in the country. They include enforcing national policies on chemicals, solid, plastic and battery waste management.

“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 LGAs 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.

“We shall be presenting a memo at the Federal Executive Council praying FEC to approve the banning of single-use plastics in all MDAs of the federal government of Nigeria. 

“These measures are a symbolic demonstration of our commitment to tackle the plastic waste menace in our environment.

“I use this opportunity to call on ministries of environments in Nigeria to immediately adopt the policy of banning single-use plastics in all their offices and operations.

“The transition to a circular economy is a collective action, I urge you all to take responsibility. Let us maximize the opportunities that sustainable chemicals and waste management have to offer to build a healthy economy.”