March 18 is marked annually as the World Recycling Day. It is a day set aside by the United Nations to highlight global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of recycling in mitigating climate change, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable development.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate this day, it’s imperative that we reflect on our country’s recycling challenge and the urgent need for collective action. With a population estimated at 250 million people, Nigeria generates about 32 million tonnes of waste annually. Unfortunately, our waste management infrastructure is woefully inadequate, leading to indiscriminate dumping, pollution, and environmental degradation.
The dire consequences are visible in most of the capital cities and urban centres across the country. The negative impacts include clogged waterways, contaminated soil and air, and devastating diseases that afflict those living in rural communities. Recycling offers a beacon of hope.
By closing the loop and reusing materials, we can significantly reduce waste, conserve resources, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. However, Nigeria’s recycling rate is abysmally low. Environmental analysts have estimated that less than 10% of our 32 million tonnes of waste is recycled.
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Considering this grim situation, NatureNews is convinced that Nigeria urgently needs a national recycling policy that states and other levels of government can adopt and domesticate for effective results. Such a policy must set clear targets, guidelines, and incentives for recycling assorted waste in the country. Besides, Nigeria must invest in modern waste management infrastructure, including recycling facilities, composting plants, and waste-to-energy technologies.
At the level of citizenry, the government needs to embark on public enlightenment and social advocacy for attitudinal change. In other words, the government needs to educate and engage with the citizens and other critical stakeholders, including the business communities, in promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
As we mark World Recycling Day, NatureNews urges the Nigerian government, private sector, and civil society to join forces in tackling our recycling challenge.
We owe it to ourselves, the present and future generations, and the planet Earth to act now.
