The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that recycling and reusing products as often and for as long as possible will create more jobs.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot 2023, Sanwo-Olu explained that the event was of utmost importance for Lagos and Nigeria and the entire sub-Saharan Africa.
His words:
“The circular economy is a model of production and consumption which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as many times and for as long as possible.
“In a city like Lagos, we believe that this initiative will create more jobs, as additional innovative production ideas will be needed and extra manpower required to keep materials in the loop for a long time.
Therefore, the teeming population will be profitably and sustainably engaged, expanding the philosophy for an even greater Mega City.”
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that developing countries like Nigeria had made the least contribution to global warming, saying many were suffering the worst impacts of climate change.
He said, “We are also at a disadvantage when it comes to having access to the resources and strategies needed to fight climate change or adapt to its impact.”
Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Omobolaji Gaji, maintained that the two-day programme would look at several facets of the circular economy.
He listed the areas to include sustainable design, environmentally friendly manufacturing, waste management, product life extension, and the importance of consumer behaviour.
The Lagos State Government organised the conference in partnership with African Circular Economy Network and Circular Economy Innovation Partnership supported by The Netherlands.
