Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, on Thursday, unveiled a circular economy strategy to convert electronic waste (e-waste) into economic value, with emphasis on job creation, environmental protection and industrial sustainability.
Abiodun announced the initiative in Abeokuta at the 4th Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) Capacity Building Workshop, themed “Transforming E-Waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solutions for Ogun State”.
Represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, the governor said that the state could no longer tolerate informal handling of hazardous waste, stressing that industrial growth must align with environmental responsibility.
“Ogun is not merely Nigeria’s gateway; it is its industrial engine.
“What we have been discarding is, in truth, a goldmine, and we are determined to harness it responsibly,” he said.
The governor said that Nigeria generates over 500,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, warning that improper disposal releases toxic substances such as lead and mercury, which pose serious health risks.
Abiodun described the agreement as a structured framework for responsible e-waste management, aimed at integrating informal collectors into the formal system, boosting revenue and creating employment opportunities.
He said that the initiative would transform waste management practices, generate jobs for youths and safeguard the environment.
The governor also outlined ongoing environmental initiatives, including plastic recycling, waste-to-fuel projects and an electric mobility programme.
According to him, the state currently recycles about 2,000 metric tonnes of plastic daily, while investments in electric vehicles and solar energy are positioning Ogun as a clean energy hub.
“Our environmental sustainability drive is central to our economic development agenda,” he said.
Abiodun stressed the need to protect workers in the e-waste value chain, particularly those handling hazardous materials, assuring that government would provide protective equipment and training.
He charged participants to develop a concrete e-waste roadmap, establish a multi-sector task force and secure binding commitments from industry players.
“We are not just discussing e-waste; we are launching a resource revolution,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr Innocent Barikor, commended Ogun’s initiative, describing it as forward-looking.
“E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally, but it also presents opportunities for innovation and job creation,” he said.
Barikor added that NESREA had established collection centres, trained informal waste collectors and strengthened regulations under its Extended Producer Responsibility programme.
Also speaking, the General Manager of OGEPA, Mr Kehinde Bello, urged stakeholders to actively engage and contribute ideas toward achieving sustainable outcomes.
Earlier, Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke called for urgent action on e-waste, warning of environmental and public health risks already evident in parts of the country.
Oguntoke said studies conducted in Lagos and Ogun states revealed the presence of heavy metals such as lead and copper in soil and water, posing long-term contamination and bioaccumulation risks.
He linked such exposure to rising cases of non-communicable diseases and called for sustainable e-waste management, early intervention and stronger stakeholder collaboration to safeguard public health and the environment.
Highlight of the event was the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding among OGEPA, E-Terra Technologies Ltd., and the E-Waste Relief Foundation.
