Connect with us

National News

FG, German Government Collaborate on Waste Management in Nigeria

Published

on

FG, German Government Collaborate on Waste Management in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government and its German counterpart are collaborating in management of waste in Nigeria with the building of capacity on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

In order to sell the message of waste management, a day workshop on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), was organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
in collaboration with technical partner, Adelphi, with funding from the Government of Germany, and supported by various stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable production and waste management in Nigeria.

Delivering a keynote address at the workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal said:
“A particularly noteworthy aspect of Nigeria’s EPR framework is our explicit commitment to the inclusion of the informal sector. We recognize the invaluable role played by our waste pickers, aggregators, and small-scale collectors. They are the unsung heroes who have for long been the backbone of waste recovery in our communities.

“Our policy actively seeks to integrate them, organizing them into cooperatives, providing incentives, and formally recognizing their contributions. This is not just about efficiency; it is about social equity, job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship development as well as ensuring a just transition towards a sustainable future for all.”

The Minister, who was represented by Director General – National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Abubakar Saleh, noted that: “This workshop is designed to empower you, our policymakers, industry leaders, environmental professionals, and civil society representatives, with the knowledge and tools needed to implement EPR effectively in Nigeria. You will delve into the intricacies of EPR system design, explore complementary measures, understand the institutional frameworks, and learn from compelling case studies from around the world. We will collectively identify challenges, such as infrastructure gaps, data management, and financing models, and collaboratively devise practical, “Made-in-Nigeria” solutions.”

He insisted that: “The path ahead will require dedication, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt. But I am profoundly optimistic. With the strong legal and regulatory foundation laid by NESREA, the unwavering support from our international partners like Adelphi, and the collective expertise and commitment present in this room, we can transform our waste management landscape. We can create new industries, generate green jobs, protect our natural environment, and ensure a sustainable future for our children.

“Let this workshop be a springboard for concerted action. Let it be a testament to our resolve to turn the tide on plastic pollution and to usher in an era of circularity and environmental prosperity for Nigeria,” he charged, while commending the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Gulf of Guinea) project (PROTEGO) team as well as the team at NESREA for jointly conceptualizing and organizing the workshop, equally praising every participant, on-site or online, for their interest and presence.

On his part, the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor said: “Today’s workshop is not only timely but strategic. As the Regulatory Agency charged with enforcing environmental standards in Nigeria, NESREA recognizes that marine pollution and plastic waste remain pressing challenges—posing significant threats to our ecosystems, public health, and economic sustainability.”

He explained that: “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has emerged globally as a proven and proactive policy instrument to address such challenges. It places the responsibility of post-consumer waste squarely where it belongs—on the producers. This model incentivizes sustainable product design, fosters accountability, and ultimately reduces the burden on public waste management systems.

“This workshop is designed with a clear focus: to deepen our collective understanding of EPR systems and equip stakeholders with practical tools to design, refine, and implement EPR programmes effectively. The sessions will feature interactive modules, global case studies, group exercises, and toolkits that will be shared for continuous self-paced learning.”
He assured that: “At NESREA, we remain committed to strengthening and implementing nationalpolicy, building capacity, and forging partnerships that support the transition to sustainable, circular, and low-carbon environmental systems. We believe that with your collaboration, Nigeria can become a regional leader in producer responsibility systems.”

FG, German Government Collaborate on Waste Management in Nigeria

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

National News

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Published

on

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.

The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.

“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.

He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.

“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.

The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.

He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.

The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Continue Reading

National News

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Published

on

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

By Hamza Suleiman

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.

Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.

“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.

The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.

He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.

“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.

Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.

He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”

According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.

“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.

The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Continue Reading

National News

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Published

on

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.

Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.

She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.

According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.

She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.

“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.

“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.

While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.

She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.

The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.

“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.

Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.

Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.

She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.

The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights