Minister: Youths can generate income from waste management

Muhammad Abubakar, minister of environment, has encouraged youths to seek employment opportunities in waste management. 

Speaking on Thursday at the third international waste summit organised by the Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON) in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, he said the federal government is committed to ensuring effective waste management system.

Abubakar said the federal government is seeking greater partnership with professional bodies like WAMASON on useful ideas on effective waste management in the country.

The minister was represented by Philip Shewkolo, officer in charge of the project coordination office of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). 

He said youths can make profit from all the stages of waste management — from sorting to storage, transporting, and treatment.

“All of these are opportunities to generate income,” he said.

The minister added that the federal government will continue to develop policies to ensure that actions towards waste management are profitable and create a conducive environment for operators.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations reached at the summit will help the government in managing waste and promoting relevant policies and programmes for a healthier environment.