BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has initiated talks with the Rwandan High Commission in Nigeria for partnership in the area of environmental sustainability.
The Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, during the meeting at the Rwandan High Commission in Abuja, expressed the Agency’s interest in learning from Rwanda’s expertise and successes in combating plastic pollution.
Dr. Barikor noted that collaboration would avail NESREA the opportunity to exchange experiences and inculcate best practices in plastic waste management, leveraging on Rwanda’s notable progress.
He emphasized, “Nigeria is pushing for the Circular Economy growth and NESREA is at the forefront, likewise the ban on single-use plastics.”
Dr. Barikor expressed his admiration for Rwanda’s exemplary commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation, and thanked the Government of Rwanda for their support towards capacity building for staff through study visits.
He restated the need for high level collaboration between the two countries on environmental protection and sustainability management.
Earlier, the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo noted the daunting challenge of tackling plastic pollution and reiterated the willingness of the government of Rwanda to collaborate with Nigeria.
Bazivamo asserted that addressing environmental issues is very important for any government as sustainable development is impossible without sound environmental protection considerations.
Recalled that the NESREA had recently concluded agreement with the Raw Materials Reserch and Development Council (RMRDC) to enter into partnership aimed at tackling Nigeria’s waste management crisis.
Although, current statistics showed that only 4.5% of waste materials in the country are recycled into secondary raw materials, leaving the vast majority to contribute to environmental degradation and public health risks.