Ogun Government has urged industries operating in the state to embrace circular economy practices to reduce waste, recover resources and create economic value.
Gov. Dapo Abiodun made the call on Wednesday while declaring open the 3rd Annual Industrial Waste Management Workshop in Abeokuta.
The workshop, organised by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), was themed: “Beyond Compliance: Embedding Circular Economy Principles and Innovations into Industrial Waste Management in Ogun State.”
Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, said rapid industrial growth had made responsible waste management imperative.
He said Ogun generated more than one million tonnes of solid waste annually, with industrial activities accounting for a significant proportion.
The governor urged industries to comply with environmental laws while adopting innovative methods of waste reduction, recycling and resource recovery.
He linked improper waste disposal and open burning to environmental degradation, greenhouse gas emissions and flooding.
Abiodun said the state was reviewing its Climate Change Policy to strengthen resource efficiency and circular economy practices.
He listed government initiatives, including the Blue Box Initiative, Plastic for Cash Programme and packaging waste collection and aggregation centres.
According to him, Ogun has the largest concentration of industrial recycling facilities in Nigeria, with eight major recycling companies processing about 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily.
The governor urged industries to conduct regular waste audits, segregate waste at source and properly handle hazardous materials.
He also advised them to maintain effluent treatment facilities and engage only accredited waste management operators.
Abiodun announced five award categories for next year’s workshop to recognise outstanding contributions to circular economy and waste management.
He listed them as Most Improved Industry in Circular Economy, Best Industry in Resource Recovery and Best Community Recycling Centre.
Others are Best Private Sector Participant of the Year and Cleanest Community/Best Community Development Association.
He said the state was targeting about 400 community recycling centres where residents could exchange recyclable materials for cash.
Abiodun said records of waste collected and recovered by the centres would help determine outstanding performers.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser and Managing Director of OGWAMA, Hon. Farouq Adeniyi Akintunde, said the authority had moved beyond awareness campaigns to promoting practical waste-to-wealth solutions.
Akintunde said OGWAMA had refurbished several moribund compactors and acquired new ones to improve waste management operations.
He said the authority was also addressing outstanding payments to Private Sector Participants involved in waste collection.
The OGWAMA boss, however, warned industries against under-declaring waste volumes, open burning, indiscriminate dumping and operating illegal dumpsites.
He said such practices violated the OGWAMA Law 2020 and would attract sanctions.
Akintunde urged industries facing waste management challenges to approach the authority for solutions rather than violate environmental regulations.
He said adopting circular economy principles would help industries reduce waste, improve production processes and generate additional income from materials previously regarded as waste.
He urged industry health, safety and environment officers, PSP operators, waste vendors, regulators and development partners to contribute practical ideas towards improving industrial waste management.
Akintunde said collaboration between government and industry would help Ogun consolidate its position as Nigeria’s industrial and recycling hub without compromising environmental protection.
