Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The federal government has launched the National Policies on Solid and Plastic Waste Management to harness the nation’s waste to wealth and manage the waste disposal in the country.
The government also rolled out the National Action Plan for the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the country in keeping with best practices and addressing the harm associated with pollution and depletion of the ozone layer.
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Muhammad Abubakar unveiled the action plan recently in Abuja,
In response to this challenge, the minister said the Federal Ministry of Environment had entered into partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), World Health Organisation, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) and Federal Ministry of Health to develop and execute a project titled National Action Plan on mercury in Nigeria Artisanal and Small scale Gold Mining sector, the result is the excellent output that we are here presenting today.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Abel Enitan said the drive “to ensure the effective discharge of our mandate and harmonise our work with all sectors in order to align with the current administration’s development agenda has also made us to develop the National Policy on Solid Waste Management and National Policy on Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria.”
“Currently, solid waste management Is one of the most pressing environmental challenge faced by urban and rural areas in Nigeria. Waste management in Nigeria is. characterized by inefficient collection methods, insufficient coverage of municipalities inadequate recycling and indiscriminate disposal, as well as inadequate and incoherent policy, legal and regulatory framework. These practices have led to adverse health and environmental consequences.
“It was therefore imperative to develop these policies to promote the principles of circular economy which is a sustainable practice that alms at zero waste reduction as well as the efficient use and reuse of resources to ensure sustainable use of plastic throughout its life cycle and the management of solid waste effectively.
“These policies in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will encourage a greater commitment from all stakeholders, provide clear guidance, job creation/poverty alleviation, waste to wealth programmes, conservation of natural resources, attraction of foreign direct investments and a clean and healthier environment.”
“Today’s event is special and a big milestone because the development of the documents highlights the present administration’s determination to ensure that Nigeria’s current development priorities and objectives are focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
He said the government was aware that there are numerous challenges preventing the effective growth of the mining and waste sectors.
Abubakar said: “For the mining sector, the challenges exist majorly around funding and attraction of new investments, security situation around mining sites, the preponderance of artisanal and illegal mining operations, attendant environmental pollution and insufficient modern mining infrastructure.
“Those prominent in the waste sectors are problems varying from poor funding, lack of policy, inadequate legislation, limited infrastructures, low level of awareness on best waste management practices, poor recovery and recycling programme, and disposal techniques.”
To address these issues, according to the minister, the federal government is making concerted efforts to remove the barriers to the effective growth of these sectors, one of which is the development of these documents.
He said implementing and mainstreaming this plan into our national development process is a necessity, “we are to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury into Nigeria’s environment.
