From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
With the increase rate of plastic pollution due to excessive use of plastic materials , the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, has raised awareness towards promoting circular economy principles and practices to ensure resource-efficient production for plastic value chains in Nigeria.
The Senior Special Assistant on Environment to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,Dr Fred Barivure Kpakol speaking at an awareness raising public seminar on plastic circular economy in Abuja on Thursday,said the issue of plastic pollution deserve urgent attention.
Kpakol while declaring the event open stressed that plastic waste hazard can only be controlled through proper sensitization of the public on better use of plastic and disposal.
Kpakol who was represented by a Director from the ministry,Engr Osilama Braimaa reiterated the commitment of the FCT administration in creating a better environment.
He said “The issue of plastic waste and pollution has become a crucial discuss and deserve very urgent and prompt solution .One of the major solutions of the challenges caused by plastic waste and pollution is awareness towards better use of plastic and disposal of plastic waste in Abuja and Nigeria at large.
Today,we will through this program shied lights on the importance of adding values the plastic and improvement of plastic management as an adaptation strategy to climate change and sustainable plastic climate change through circular economy.
Therefore, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board in conjunction with UNIDO and support provided by the Japanese government hereby called on everyone to participate in reducing and managing the hazard of plastic waste in the country.
In his goodwill message,the Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, Olubumi Olusanya lamented that plastic pollution has done a lot of damages to the nation.
Olusanya,who was also represented by Assistant Director of Solid Waste Management, Dangiwa Ewa stressed that awareness is crucial in addressing the menace.
“As we all aware the, excessive use of plastic has had devastating consequences on our planet. Plastic pollution hasbeen damaging our ecosystem, endangering marine life and contributing climate change,he said
UNIDO, National Programme Coordinator,Oluyomi Banjo,on his part said that the issue of waste pollution can only be addressed through collaboration.
The aim of the collaboration is to contribute to Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable industrial development and to reduce the leakage of plastics into the environment. Participants in the training included relevant stakeholders across the plastic value chain in Abuja and its environs,he said
Also, in attendance were representatives from Plastic Waste Value Players: Waste pickers, Collectors, Aggregators, Recyclers and Off-takers. Representatives from AEPB, UNIDO, and the Federal Ministry of Environment were also present.