Plastic management policy will boost circular economy – FG

The federal government has stated that the implementation of the national policy on plastic waste management will fast-track Nigeria’s circular economy which is valued at $10 trillion. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal who was represented by deputy director, pollution control and environmental health in the Ministry, Falmata Bukar-Kolo made the disclosure in Abuja at […]

The federal government has stated that the implementation of the national policy on plastic waste management will fast-track Nigeria’s circular economy which is valued at $10 trillion.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal who was represented by deputy director, pollution control and environmental health in the Ministry, Falmata Bukar-Kolo made the disclosure in Abuja at the Presentation seminar on the implementation guidelines for national policy on plastic waste management.

The minister said, “The guideline document being presented was developed through the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with the generous support of the Government of Japan. 

“These Implementation Guidelines constitute a comprehensive and operational framework designed to assist Federal and State institutions, private sector actors, civil society organizations, waste management operators, and community groups in addressing plastic pollution in a more structured and effective manner.

The document articulates clearly defined roles, recommended best practices, compliance mechanisms, and pathways for prevention, reduction, collection, sorting, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal of plastic waste. The objective of this seminar is to formally present the finalized guidelines to you, our key stakeholders and implementing partners,” the minister said.

In his remarks, Dr. Reuben Bamidele, National Programme Officer UNIDO who represented the country director stated that the project seeks to promote plastic waste management and sustainable use of plastic.

 

 

 

“The guidelines will help in boosting the circular economy practices as UNIDO reaffirms its commitment on SDGs 9 and 12 and 14 and effective implementation will improve sustainable recycling capacity nationwide,” he said

 

 

 

Also speaking, H.E Heido Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria said the project is a collaboration to manage plastic health and boost the ecosystem.

 

 

 

He notes that Nigeria has a massive amount of plastic in waterways which underscores the inter agency collaboration in strengthening waste management processes.