By Faridat Salifu
The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has appealed to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to upscale their public enlightenment on the circular economy.
He was speaking at an awareness event for NGOs in Abuja on Monday, where he gave his speech hosted by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), with assistance from the European Union.
Represented by NESREA’s Director-General, Dr. Innocent Barikor, the Minister underscored the importance of circular economy principles, particularly through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which focuses on waste reduction and sustainable resource use.
“A circular economy can drive Nigeria’s sustainable development,” Lawal maintained, highlighting that collaboration with NGOs is essential for broadening public knowledge and engagement.
Lawal also drew attention to the environmental challenge posed by single-use plastics, outlining recent government measures, including the development of the Draft National Guidelines for the Implementation of EPR for Plastic Packaging, 2024, and the Draft National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, 2024.
The minister said in addition to policy initiatives, the government has ramped up nationwide campaigns to encourage sustainable practices and reduce plastic waste.
He urged NGOs to leverage their community influence to promote circular economy values, particularly the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.
“As trusted voices in your communities, you have a unique ability to inspire sustainable practices, promote behavioral change, and hold stakeholders accountable for waste management,” Lawal said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Agharese Onaghiase, an EU facilitator, described the circular economy as a system grounded in product redesign, waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.
She encouraged NGOs to work closely with government and community members on initiatives, as well as support research, development, and pilot projects that align with circular economy principles.
