The federal government has commenced important step towards drafting the nation’s Circular Economy Roadmap Framework to guide Nigeria’s transition to a more circular economy in the short, medium and long terms (2023-2050).

Speaking during the Stakeholders Validation Workshop of Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Idris noted that Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people generates about 32 million tons of solid waste per year, with little or no segregation is illegally dumped in open spaces or co disposed off with hazardous wastes in dumpsites and burnt openly.

He decried that: “These unwholesome practices have been linked to perennial flash floods across the country, increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increased incidences of cancer, loss of aquatic life, loss in agricultural productivity, etc.”

He however said the large volume of waste being generated in the country presents circular economy business opportunities across the waste management value chain which should be properly harnessed for job/wealth creation, establishment of micro, small and medium scale enterprises, private sector investment including foreign direct investment.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Director, Human Resources in the Ministry, Lawrence Adigwe revealed that in order for Nigeria to benefit from it circular economy potentials,, a study on ‘Nigeria’s Transition to Green Economy: Linking Circular Economy and Natural Capital for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Investment’ was commissioned with support from African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Netherlands and the African Green Growth & Development Forum (AGDF) as part of the process for the development of the Nigerian Circular Economy Programme (NCEP).

He said the scope of the study is basically to carry out feasibility studies of all Circular Economy and Natural Capital Accounting Activities in the country and develop a Circular Economy Roadmap Framework to guide Nigeria’s transition to a more circular economy in the short, medium and long terms (2023-2050).

He disclosed that the European Union through the Switch to Green facility is providing support for the development of the Nigeria Circular Roadmap and the stakeholders inception workshop was held on 17th August, 2023 during which the draft Roadmap was presented to stakeholders for their comments and contribution.

He told the participants at the workshop that “it is on this note that you are here today to validate the Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap as part of the process for its Development to support Nigeria’s transition to circular economy.

He added that “this workshop is apt and coming at time when the global community including Nigeria is making concerted efforts in innovative resource management through circular economy practices.

“As you aware, the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with critical stakeholders has established the Nigeria Circular Economy Programme as part of its efforts to promote the adoption of circular economy in Nigeria as a model of sustainable development in which the productive use of resources is enhanced overtime, wastes reduced and jobs created.”

Nigeria’s population is currently growing at 2.59% annually. This makes Nigeria the fastest growing population of any country and is estimated to reach 400 million people by 2050, which will make it the world’s third most populous country. The demographics of Nigeria’s population show that 63% of the population is currently 24 years or younger.

Although categorized as a middle-income country, Nigeria’s poverty and human development indicators, as well as its current performance with respect to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is deteriorating. Nigeria’s massive population growth exceeded its GDP growth, and that divide will likely widen. Diversifying the economy beyond oil, creating opportunities and empowering young people, women and girls will be vital to overcome these challenges. Nigeria has a population of over 200 million with a median age of 18.1 years old and more than 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Thus, the political, economic and social development of Nigeria will largely depend on the ability to provide young Nigerians with opportunities for employment, education and health, and access to the decision-making processes.