A lecturer at the Department of Environmental Management, Nasarawa State University, Dr Salamatu Ekpo has called on Nigerians to embrace waste management to promote a sustainable environment.
Ekpo made the call in a telephone interview on Sunday.
Ekpo who said that more awareness should be created on waste management, explained that government at all levels should also identify various drivers of waste and rank them.
“Nigeria has to first of all identify its various drivers of waste and rank them, so as to properly propose strategies that are participatory.
“When the drivers of waste management are identified, then alternatives to such drivers can now be recommended for implementation.
“Waste management strategies should be simplified and adopted in elementary education systems,” she said.
She added that educational and religious institutions should be involved in waste management education programmes.
She said the government was not excluded from waste management as it should always create awareness of waste management.
She added that the government should strengthen the laws and regulations regarding waste management.
“The government should focus on enforcing these regulations by holding both individuals and corporations accountable for improper waste disposal.
“Penalties for illegal dumping and burning of waste should be strictly implemented, creating a deterrent effect,” she said.
She also said manufacturers in Nigeria should be burdened with waste management responsibilities.
“This means that technologies used by the companies from extraction of raw materials to packaging of finished goods should be environmentally sustainable,” she said.
NAN
