The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal has called on Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to partner with the Federal Government in creating awareness on Circular Economy.
The Minister made the call in his speech at the sensitization of NGOs on Circular Economy organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with the support of the European Union in Abuja.
Represented by the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, the Minister said circular economy provides a pathway towards sustainable development, hence the need to build the necessary synergy to ensure the country enjoy the benefits of Circular Economy which is implemented in the country through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.
Lawal particularly drew attention to the need to create more awareness on the menace of single-use plastics and highlighted the significant steps already taken by government to provide the policy and regulatory framework to tackle the problem.
He said: “The Draft National Guidelines for the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, 2024 and the Draft National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2024 have been developed, nationwide campaigns are on going, and the government is collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable alternatives.”
Addressing the NGOs, the Minister stressed that: “As leaders in your communities, you are positioned to champion the message of circular economy, educating the public on the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste. We look to you to inspire behavior change, advocate for sustainable practices, and hold stakeholders accountable.”
He further stated that the sensitization exercise was to equip NGOs, who play an important role in community outreach, education, and grassroots action.
In a presentation titled, “Concepts of Circular Economy and Strategies for Implementation, EU Facilitator, Mrs. Agharese Onaghiase said circular economy was hinged on the principles of product redesign, waste reduction, reuse and recycling.
She urged NGOs to educate communities, collaborate with authorities on circular economy initiatives; contribute to innovative solutions through research, development and piloting initiatives and support economic empowerment for communities to advance circular economy principles.
