Circular economy provides pathway to sustainable development – Minister

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has said circular economy provides a pathway towards sustainable development, hence the need to build the necessary synergy to ensure the country enjoys its benefits, which is implemented in the country through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme.

This is even as he called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to partner with the federal government in creating awareness of the Circular Economy.

The minister stated this while delivering his speech, at the sensitisation of NGOs on Circular Economy organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with the support of the European Union in Abuja, on Monday.

Represented by the Director General of NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, the minister particularly drew attention to the need to create more awareness of the menace of single-use plastics and highlighted the significant steps already taken by the government to provide the policy and regulatory framework to tackle the problem.

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“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 ongoing, and the government is collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable alternatives,” he said.

To the NGOs, the minister said: “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 behaviour change, advocate for sustainable practices, and hold stakeholders accountable.”

He further stated that the sensitisation 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 and development and piloting initiatives and support economic empowerment for communities to advance circular economic principles.