Ogun State Government has called for embracement of circular solutions as part of measures to achieve sustainable economy and ensure proper management of chemical waste, so as to reduce the effect of environmental degradation in air and water in Nigeria
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya made call during the second edition of Chemical Handling and Usage Workshop in Abeokuta, organised by Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), with the theme, “Chemical and Waste Management, Circular Solutions for a Sustainable Economy”.
Oresanya said it was imperative to map out modalities for safety and material recycling without compromising the well-being of the people and conducive environmental landscape, pointing out that states needed to develop an efficient and sustainable production model that guarantees integrity.
He added that establishing a synergy with relevant regulators, such as Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Environmental Standards and Regulations and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and health workers, among others, would sustain the overdue global expectation of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Similarly Programme Coordinator, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, (UNIDO), Dr. Oluyomi Banjo who presented a paper titled, "Roles and Contributions of Sub-National Targets/Goals on Circular Economy", stressed the need to formulate policies, regulations and action plans that would be implemented at all levels of government in proffering solutions for chemical management, to reduce environmental degradation.
Contributing, the Executive Director, Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the African Region, Prof. Percy Onianwu, urged manufacturers to shift to less hazardous alternatives, while taking steps to incorporate a strategy of reducing, reusing and recycling for proper waste management.
He enlightened stakeholders on chemical identification, labelling and preventive measures for control of chemical hazards, warning that improper use and exposure to chemicals were dangerous to human health.
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