In a recent interview, Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe, the chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), Lagos state chapter, emphasized the urgent need to fortify waste laws and regulations in Nigeria. Addressing news correspondents, Majolagbe stressed the pressing necessity for strengthened measures given the escalating problem of plastic pollution within the country. He highlighted the paramount importance of adopting sustainable approaches across the entire plastic value chain. The chairman’s remarks underscore a growing awareness of the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and sustainable strategies to mitigate the impact on Nigeria’s ecosystems. Majolagbe’s insights shed light on the imperative for concerted efforts in reshaping waste management practices to safeguard the nation’s environmental well-being.
The challenge of excessive plastic waste has become a focal concern in Nigeria, drawing widespread attention. Predominantly stemming from the widespread utilization of plastic in packaging and storing food, beverages, and shopping items, this issue has reached critical proportions. Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe has underscored the urgency of addressing this problem promptly to protect the environment and its ecosystems. The chairman’s emphasis on swift action highlights the imperative of implementing effective measures to curtail the adverse effects of plastic waste on Nigeria’s ecological balance.
Approaches to foster a long-lasting plastic value cycle.
Further in the interview, Majolagbe gave extensive recommendations to enhance the sustainable plastic value chain in Nigeria, addressing both the Lagos state government and the federal government under the leadership of Bola Tinubu. One of them is the efficient classification of household refuse. Majolagbe underscored the significance of establishing a household-level practice of conscientious waste segregation as the bedrock for efficient waste control. Then, There is promoting a framework that holds plastic polluters accountable by requiring them to incur the expenses associated with their environmental damage.
According to him, producers should be held responsible for the complete lifespan of their products, which includes appropriate disposal and recycling, following the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility. They should promote and acknowledge recycling endeavors by introducing stimulating rewards. Majolagbe emphasized the importance of providing incentives and assistance to investors actively involved in embracing circular economy practices. He also emphasized the need for allocating investments towards professionals engaged in sustainable practices, in order to empower the circular economy sector through effective capacity building.
Key areas of focus for government ministers revealed.
To promote the expansion of the recycling sector, it is essential for the government to designate plots of land exclusively for recycling facilities. Next is to optimize the recycling process by investing in cutting-edge technologies like mini crushers, thereby enabling the fabrication of compact crushers. It is also essential for the government to back and strengthen establishments that are committed to advocating for and practicing the principles of circular economy in Lagos State. The government can also impose legal measures with utmost rigidity to guarantee the execution of regulations, discouraging illicit actions while strengthening adherence.
Majolagbe also advised the government to launch an inclusive and extensive initiative to inform the general population about the advantages and methodologies associated with a circular economy. In the same vein, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, was given a set of important tasks by Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe. These tasks encompassed ensuring access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities, effectively managing body waste sludge, and organizing and consolidating various environmental datasets.
Impact of climate activists on shareholder assemblies.
Meanwhile, climate activists have cleverly utilized shareholder gatherings as a platform to spotlight corporations’ carbon emissions, executing a range of creative approaches. These methods span from inundating executives with inquiries to more extraordinary means like melodic performances and symbolic gestures, one of which entails flinging cake. Particularly notable, during the Volkswagen shareholders meeting, a captivating incident unfolded when a cake dramatically landed upon the podium as the commemoration of Wolfgang Porsche’s 80th birthday took place.
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