By Faridat Salifu
The Seventeenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the Basel Convention convened in Geneva, Switzerland where Nigeria pushed for save-our-planet fight against hazardous waste.
“Nigeria is taking bold steps to align its environmental policies with global standards,” Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said at the conference, which held, Wednesday, April 30.
“We recognize the urgency of acting decisively on waste management, not just for our national well-being but for the health of the planet,” he said, urging, “We must invest in building the capacity of our institutions and local communities to manage waste sustainably and innovatively.”
The Minister emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to tackling hazardous waste through progressive policies, innovation, and global partnerships.
He drew attention to the specific challenges facing Nigeria, including illegal dumping, insufficient waste management infrastructure, and limited access to modern waste technologies.
Adopted in 1989, the Basel Convention remains a foundational international treaty for regulating the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste.
It aims to minimize waste generation and ensure responsible handling to protect both people and the environment.
Key topics addressed during COP17 included:
• Plastic Waste: Delegates discussed urgent measures to combat plastic pollution and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
• Electronic Waste (E-Waste): Participants explored effective recycling and management systems to address the rise in electronic waste.
• Financial Support: The conference highlighted the need for robust financial mechanisms to help developing countries meet their waste management goals.
The minister also engaged in bilateral meetings with international partners, seeking technical and financial cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s waste management systems and institutional capacity.
The conference adopted several resolutions aimed at reinforcing the Basel Convention’s effectiveness and encouraging stronger global commitments to waste reduction and environmental protection.
The summit brought together global leaders and environmental experts to tackle the growing challenges of hazardous and plastic waste management.
It provided a platform for more than 190 countries to assess progress under the Basel Convention and shape future strategies for environmentally sound waste practices.
