By Barbara Nwaiwu
Governor Dapo Abiodun has unveiled an e-waste-to-wealth strategy aimed at creating jobs, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable industrial growth in Ogun State.
The initiative was announced on Thursday at the 4th Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) Capacity Building Workshop themed “Transforming E-Waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solutions for Ogun State.”
Governor Abiodun who was represented by the State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the strategy seeks to convert electronic waste into economic value through a structured circular economy model, stressing that the state would no longer tolerate unsafe and informal handling of hazardous waste.
He disclosed that Nigeria generates over 500,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually, warning that improper disposal releases toxic substances such as lead and mercury, which pose serious health and environmental risks.
To address this, the Ogun State Government signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding involving OGEPA, E-Terra Technologies Limited and the E-Waste Relief Foundation to establish a structured framework for responsible e-waste management.
According to the governor, the agreement will integrate informal waste collectors into the formal system, boost revenue generation and create employment opportunities, particularly for youths.
He further emphasised that the initiative would transform waste management practices while safeguarding the environment, adding that the government would prioritise the safety of workers handling hazardous materials by providing protective equipment and training.
Abiodun noted that the programme is part of broader environmental efforts in the state, including plastic recycling, waste to fuel projects and an electric mobility drive, which are positioning Ogun as a clean energy hub.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor, described e-waste as the fastest-growing waste stream globally but noted that it also offers opportunities for innovation and job creation.
Stakeholders at the workshop were urged to develop a concrete roadmap for e-waste management, establish a multi-sector task force and secure commitments from industry players to ensure the success of the initiative.
The governor concluded that the strategy represents a shift toward turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities, with the goal of achieving both sustainable development and improved public health outcomes.