FG ready to manage hazardous chemicals – Minister

The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, stated this at the ongoing United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The minister said that such commitment will include a wholesome look into how electronic waste is being imported, inspection of container ships, aggravated sensitisation and advocacy to farmers on the use of the correct type of pesticides and the need to comply strictly with international conventions on chemicals.
“The commitment of Nigeria on the management of chemicals cannot be rivaled and this include training on the importation of electronic waste, reduction of illegal electronic waste transfer through inspection of container ships, information to farmers about the use of pesticide and strict compliance with International Chemicals Conventions,” she said
Mallam, while speaking at a side event at the UNEA titled: “Detoxifying Development:  How Strengthened Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste Contribute to Sustainable Development,” noted that the role partnership could play in addressing the worrying issue of chemical management, including small businesses on importing electronic waste, cannot be over emphasized.
She, therefore, called for more partnerships as the world deals with the issue of chemical management.
United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, Kenya, is the highest level United Nations body ever convened on the environment with over 1,300 participants which include ministers of environment, chief justices, economists and civil society leaders from all over the world.
Other issues that will be discussed at the United Nations Environment Assembly include illegal trade in wildlife, financing the green economy, rule of law as it concerned the environment and sustainable development goals.
In attendance at the meeting were the Ambassador of the Federal Office of the Environment, Switzerland, Franz Perrez, Minister of Environment to Uruguay, Fransisco Bettrame, Ambassador of Japan to Kenya, Tatsushi Terads and the Director, Social and Environmental Responsibility, Hewlett – Packard, Herve Guilcher.