Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme (NCCRP) has urged residents of Ogun State to explore the economic potential of waste management as a strategy for wealth creation and environmental sustainability.
This call was made during a two-day awareness and sensitization campaign held in Abeokuta, organized in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment. The campaign targeted NGOs and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) working on waste management, emphasizing the importance of recycling, reusing, and properly managing waste.
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, reiterated the state government’s commitment to positioning Ogun as Nigeria’s capital for the circular economy. Given the state’s status as Nigeria’s most industrialized hub, he stressed that industries must adopt circular processes to promote sustainability.
NCCRP Team Leader, Dr. Todd Ngara, highlighted that waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. However, he emphasized that waste can be converted into valuable resources such as fertilizers and recycled products.
“We can turn waste into wealth,” Dr. Ngara stated. “For example, waste can be processed into organic fertilizer for agriculture instead of being left to decay. Waste should be seen as an opportunity rather than a burden.”
He urged Ogun residents to adopt sustainable waste management practices, recognizing their economic and environmental benefits.
Dr. Taiwo Hammed, a key expert in waste management at NCCRP, stressed the need for Nigeria to prioritize waste management on the same level as oil. He argued that the country’s over-reliance on petroleum has led to the neglect of other crucial sectors like waste management, which has significant economic potential.
“My message to Nigerians is simple: waste is not useless. We must take waste as seriously as we take petroleum. Around the world, people convert waste into energy and organic fertilizers, creating employment for thousands. We must do the same.”
Elizabeth Mwaniki, NCCRP’s expert in communication and capacity building, underscored the need for a mindset shift regarding waste. She explained that what many discard as waste can serve as a source of income for others.
“We must understand that not all waste is truly waste,” Mwaniki noted. “For instance, instead of discarding plastic bottles after use, they can be repurposed for various needs. People must also stop littering roads, as the government has provided designated disposal areas.”
Mwaniki reaffirmed NCCRP’s commitment to building the capacity of local NGOs and CBOs to effectively tackle waste management challenges. She emphasized that waste reduction, recycling, and reuse are critical steps in mitigating climate change.
The sensitization campaign reinforced the role of waste management in addressing climate change, creating jobs, and fostering economic development. With Ogun State’s commitment to a circular economy and the NCCRP’s ongoing support, residents are encouraged to embrace responsible waste management as both a climate action strategy and an economic opportunity.
