ABUJA/Nigeria: Abuja was the site for a day-long seminar addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution through the adoption of circular economy practices, jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Embassy of Japan.
Under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chain through Circular Economy Practices,” stakeholders advocated a collaborative approach to combat the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on public health and the environment.
UNIDO’s Regional Director, Mr. Jean Bakole, underscored the imperative need for unified action among stakeholders to mitigate the adverse impact of plastic pollution. He highlighted Nigeria’s geographical positioning, emphasizing its susceptibility to contributing significantly to the global plastic pollution crisis due to its extensive coastline.
Citing alarming global statistics of over 450 million metric tonnes of annual plastic production and Nigeria’s meager 9% recycling rate, Yomi Banjo, UNIDO’s National Programme Coordinator for Environment and Energy, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative solutions.
Banjo stressed Nigeria’s active involvement in the discussions regarding a new plastic convention, signifying the nation’s willingness to sign, ratify, and comply with the convention’s obligations alongside other countries.
Additionally, representatives from the Embassy of Japan reaffirmed their commitment to combating maritime plastic pollution, emphasizing shared environmental concerns and pledging continuous support for a sustainable plastic value chain in Nigeria.
The seminar garnered discussions on strategies to transition from a linear to a circular waste management system, with participants urged to explore global circular economy practices for local adoption.
Highlighting the critical role of ongoing collaborative projects between Nigeria, Japan, and UNIDO, stakeholders reiterated the importance of these initiatives in promoting a cleaner environment through effective plastic waste management practices.
