… Seeks media collaboration on effective dissemination of environmental issues
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has charged manufacturers and importers to step up action beyond production and sales to becoming more environmentally conscious for a sustainable and resilient future.
The Agency also enlightened members of the press on the benefits of circular economy and its significance for Nigeria.
The Director-General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, who spoke during the Media Dialogue on Circular Economy on Thursday in Abuja, expressed satisfaction with the media dedication to environment issues.
“This Dialogue is intended to further deepen your knowledge and understanding of the concept of Circular Economy. This has become very essential as we continue to work together to promote sustainable development of our dear country.
“Circular Economy is a model which transforms the way we produce, consume and dispose of resources. It is a sustainable economy model that aims to reduce waste and the consumption of resources by promoting the reuse, recycling, and refurbishment of products. It seeks to keep products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and pollution,” he said.
Dr. Barikor emphasized Circular Economy alignment with 5 Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 6- Clean Water and Sanitation and President Tinubu’s 8-point Agenda particularly in the areas of economic growth, job creation, food security and ending poverty.
He said the federal government is committed to promoting the circular economy through policies, programs, and partnerships, investing in waste management infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture, and encouraging private sector innovation.
“Nigeria has since embraced the circular economy model, with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) spearheading the initiative. Through its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, the Agency has launched the implementation of circular economy principles nationwide.
“Battery, Food and Beverage, Electrical/Electronics and Used Tyres have come under the Extended Producer Responsibility Programme and all Manufacturers, Producers, and importers in these sectors are mandated to subscribe to their relevant Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO).
“Nigeria is already reaping the benefits of circular economy with the green jobs which have been created along the value chain in the different sectors. Gradually, we will all begin to see the reduction in waste and other forms of pollution,” said the DG.
In his welcome remarks, the Director, Partnership and Education, Mr. Bintu Kolo Muhammed, emphaszes the need for media collaboration in the environment sector as critical stakeholders to raise awareness, highlight challenges and inspire action.
Major highlights of the media dialogue include presentation on the “Journey So Far on Circular Economy in Nigeria” by Mr. Isa Abdulsallam, Director, Inspection and Enforcement Department, NESREA.
