By: Tijani Salako.

The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has announced plans to host the fourth edition of its Annual Chemical Users and Handlers Workshop, as part of efforts to address the growing challenge of electronic waste in the state.

This was disclosed by the general manager of OGEPA Hon. Kehinde Bello in a statement issued through the head of information and public relations officer, Mr Luke Adebesin

The workshop, themed “Transforming E-waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solution for Ogun State,” is expected to bring together key stakeholders, including environmental experts, regulators, manufacturers, and waste management professionals to explore sustainable approaches to electronic waste management.

The General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Bello noted that the initiative is aimed at promoting responsible handling of hazardous materials while encouraging innovative solutions to the increasing volume of discarded electronic devices.

He described electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, as one of the fastest-growing environmental concerns globally, driven by the rapid consumption and disposal of devices such as computers, mobile phones, and household appliances.

According to him, improper handling and disposal of such waste could lead to the release of toxic substances, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.

“E-waste contains hazardous components that, if not properly managed, can contaminate soil, water, and air, thereby endangering communities and ecosystems,” Bello said.

He added that the workshop would provide a platform for participants to examine how adopting a circular economy model focused on reuse, recycling, and resource recovery can transform the e-waste challenge into economic opportunities, including job creation and value generation within the recycling sector.

Also speaking, the Director of Hazardous Materials Management and Environmental Safety Department at OGEPA, Mr. Saburi Lawal, said the event would attract a broad range of participants, including government officials, environmental regulators, academia, and representatives of private sector organisations.

Lawal noted that the engagement would also strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and enhance compliance with environmental regulations on hazardous waste management.

Industry observers say the initiative comes at a critical time when Nigeria is grappling with rising volumes of electronic waste, largely due to increased digitalisation, importation of used electronics, and weak recycling infrastructure.

They emphasised the need for sustained public awareness, stronger regulatory enforcement, and investment in modern recycling systems to mitigate the environmental impact of e-waste across the country.