The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has urged stakeholders to invest in recycling and waste management to reduce environmental impact and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
Akume made this appeal at the public presentation and launch of Recycling in Nigeria, a book written by Terseer Ugbor, a member of the House of Representatives and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment.
Akume, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chris Tarka, stated that Nigeria must learn from developed countries already advancing the waste-to-wealth initiative.
He said, “The recycling of waste from dumps seems like a big business that has been overlooked for too long. It is appropriate that the author is now opening our eyes to such an opportunity. We, as a growing community of young Nigerians eager to do business, have somehow been blind to this golden opportunity.
“In many developing countries, you’ll see three trash cans outside homes and business communities—one each for newspapers, glass products, and plastics. These items are collected for recycling to reduce waste.
“I encourage us to take recycling very seriously after this presentation. Whether in our rubbish heaps, homes, or communities, products to meet this market are readily available. I am pleased this conversation is happening at a time when many people are struggling to find jobs or start businesses.”
Earlier, the author Ugbor emphasized the need to educate young Nigerians on maintaining a clean society while creating economic opportunities.
The federal lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in Benue noted that it is disappointing that many Nigerians are not taking advantage of the vast opportunities in waste management and recycling.
“It’s time Nigerians became more informed about recycling, waste management, and waste-to-wealth opportunities, including plastics, tires, e-waste, metal waste, paper, and waste oil, among others. This will help establish a recycling culture in Nigeria and educate young people on making a livelihood from it.
“The potential in this sector is huge, and we need more people involved to increase employment opportunities. Nigeria generates thousands of tons of waste daily, and this waste contains valuable resources that can be recovered through proper recycling. Job opportunities and energy potential are abundant for entrepreneurs,” he stated.
The deputy chairman of the house committee on environment stressed that lawmakers have recently proposed amendments to several recycling-related laws.
Ugbor highlighted the policy of Extended Producer Responsibility, which mandates that all manufactured products undergo a waste recycling process, as an example of these efforts.
He said, “At the National Assembly, we have proposed a bill called the EPR Act to ensure that all manufacturing companies, commercial enterprises, and individuals in the country take responsibility for the waste generated in daily activities.
“To achieve this, the Ministry of Environment and NESREA launched the EPR survey, requiring every manufacturer, importer, and individual who produces or uses a product that becomes waste to take responsibility throughout the entire lifecycle of that product.”
