The
European Union
(EU) has supported the federal government in its bid to achieve sustainable waste management in line with the United Nations (UN) international zero-waste agenda.
The European Union, alongside the federal government, is advocating for increased circularity within the fashion and textile sector.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stressed the need to reduce waste generated in the textile industry, which globally stands at 92 million tons annually, resulting in environmental and social impacts that disproportionately affect biodiversity and human health, especially vulnerable persons across the country.
He made this known in Abuja during this year’s International Zero Waste Day event, which was held in Nigeria on the 4th of April.
The day, which was established by the UN General Assembly in December 2022 to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns and foster a circular economy, is celebrated every 30th of March annually.
He noted that this year’s theme, “towards zero waste in fashion and textile”, underscored the environmental and social challenges caused by the fashion and textile sectors in their business model, which drives overproduction and overconsumption.
He stated: “Utilizing fossil-fuel-derived synthetic fibers exacerbates microplastic contamination, which damages ecosystems and poses risks to human well-being. Cast-off garments frequently result in unregulated disposal, incineration, and significant ecological and societal repercussions, with marginalized populations being particularly affected.”
This is precisely why the EU keeps collaborating closely with our Nigerian counterparts to tackle waste generation issues linked to the linear economy in Nigeria.
Mignot highlighted the European Union’s initiatives aimed at advancing the circular economy. He mentioned that presently, the EU along with the Ministry of Environment, alongside UNIDO—the United Nations Industrial Development Organization—are leading the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group. This group unites key stakeholders to advocate for and implement circular economy concepts, thereby fostering inclusive sustainable development.
Several collaborative efforts undertaken by the group encompass the National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency’s (NESREA) National Environmental Regulation on Plastic Waste Control (2023), along with the National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024). The roadmap was unveiled during last year’s observance of International Zero Waste Day.
“Our newest initiative with UNIDO focuses on tackling waste generated from the renewable energy industry, such as discarded solar panels and batteries,” he mentioned additionally.
Amb. Mignot emphasized the significant potential and numerous opportunities presented by the circular economy across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, fashion, arts, and culture among others. He stated, “Ultimately, it’s all about making sure that products do not turn into waste. Instead, they should remain in use through practices like maintenance, reuse, renovation, remanufacturing, and either recycling or composting.”
The benefits can be immense for climate, biodiversity, land, air, and water quality, as well as for economic growth and communities. Transitioning from waste to wealth is both achievable and currently underway.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, expressed appreciation for the contributions made by the EU, alongside NESREA, local non-governmental organizations, and other pertinent parties in arranging the event.
He pointed out that the event coincides with Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable waste management and supports the worldwide zero-waste initiative. He further emphasized that this year’s theme underscores the critical necessity of decreasing waste and fostering circular practices as well as accountable production and consumption patterns.
The Minister, represented at the event by Omotunde Adeola from the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department within the Ministry, stated, “Nigeria encounters substantial difficulties with waste management specifically in the textile sector. As the fashion industry expands quickly, it generates more textile waste. This sector often adopts a linear model of ‘take, make, dispose,’ which leads to enormous quantities of waste.”
Nigeria boasts significant potential ranging from the realms of fashion and textiles to creative waste-to-art initiatives, underscoring the country’s vast opportunity to propel a circular economy via upcycled art, sustainable business ventures, and cutting-edge waste management solutions.
The Federal Ministry of Environment continues to be committed to implementing policies and acknowledging the critical necessity of tackling waste management issues across various sectors.
Head Director and CEO of
NESREA
Innocent Barikor reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to advancing the concept of a circular economy.
He stated: “Given our role as leaders in advancing the circular economy, we are thrilled to be integral parts of initiatives aimed at fostering such an approach. These efforts not only endorse but also actively encourage our community to embrace the concept of zero waste.”
We appreciate the consistent support from the European Union. Looking ahead, we see ample room for further development, and we’re eager to delve into the numerous prospects and opportunities here at our workplace. We anticipate enhanced cooperation and partnerships.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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