To combat the escalating environmental waste crisis, the European Union (EU) has teamed up with the Federal Government of Nigeria. This collaboration marks an important step towards addressing the pressing issue of trash management and Sustainability in the country. The partnership comes as the EU and various stakeholders globally gear up to observe the International Zero Waste Day in Nigeria for the first time. This day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2022, serves as a needed platform to raise awareness and take concrete actions to mitigate the related challenges.
During a recent event held in Abuja to commemorate the International Zero Waste Day under the theme “Beat Waste,” Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the need to prevent waste generation. He said that humanity produces an astonishing 2.1 billion to 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal Solid Waste every year, with a significant portion lacking proper management. Vergos stressed that Pollution from trash not only is a severe threat to human health and Economic Stability but also contributes to the overarching planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Without prompt intervention, annual municipal solid waste generation could rise to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050, further increasing environmental challenges.
Some of the contributions and achievements of partnerships.
So, to tackle these pressing issues, the EU initiated the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE), a collaborative effort led by the EU and UNIDO, with support from the United Nations Environment Programme. Nigeria has also joined this alliance, signalling a commitment to address plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments. The partnership extends to collaborative efforts with the Federal Ministry of Environment, where the EU is actively involved in co-chairing the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group alongside UNIDO. This initiative brings together key stakeholders to promote circular economy policies and practices at both national and sub-national levels, aiming for inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth.
Among the notable contributions and achievements of this collaboration are the development of the National Policy on Waste Battery Management in 2021, support for National Environmental standard Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in formulating the National Environmental (Plastic Control) Regulations of 2023, and the unveiling of the National Circular Economy Roadmap during the event. This partnership shows a combined effort to address environmental waste challenges, promote sustainable practices, and pave the way for a greener and more resilient future. By promoting international collaboration and implementing detailed Waste Management strategies, both entities aim to create a cleaner and healthier environment for generations to come.
Nigeria has been struggling with environmental issues.
Meanwhile, the management of environmental waste in Nigeria, concerning environmental sustainability, presents a complex and challenging case. While there have been efforts by both governmental and non-governmental entities to address these issues, some gaps and challenges remain. One of the primary challenges is the lack of management Infrastructure and practices. Many areas in Nigeria still lack adequate collection services, leading to improper disposal of garbage items, including dumping in water bodies and open spaces. This not only pollutes the environment but also poses health hazards to the population.
Another issue is the limited awareness and Education about waste management and environmental sustainability. Many people, especially in rural areas, may not be aware of the importance of proper garbage disposal and Recycling practices. This lack of awareness contributes to the persistence of unsustainable management methods. Also, the rapid Urbanization and population growth in Nigeria have put immense pressure on existing management systems. The increasing amount of trash generated increases the challenges of collection, disposal, and recycling.
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However, there are positive developments and initiatives aimed at improving waste management and promoting Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria. Partnerships between governmental bodies, international organizations like the EU, and local stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to addressing these issues collaboratively. The introduction of policies and regulations, such as the National Environmental Regulations of 2023, also indicates a step towards better management practices. Then, initiatives like the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group show efforts to promote circular economy principles and reduce waste generation.