Dr Kazeem Abubaker, a materials engineering researcher, has urged the Federal Government to abandon the “grow now, clean later” development model, insisting that economic prosperity must go hand in hand with environmental protection.
Abubaker gave the advice in an interview with reporters on Monday in Abuja, warning that delaying action on pollution poses a serious risk to Nigeria’s future.
He cautioned that ignoring environmental issues could trap the country in toxic air, depleted natural resources and enormous clean-up costs for future generations.
According to him, focusing solely on rapid economic growth without strong environmental regulations risks triggering severe public health crises and causing permanent damage to Nigeria’s landscape.
The expert outlined a three-pillar strategy to help the country avoid these challenges and achieve sustainable development.
He said the first pillar is green technology, which involves integrating clean and eco-friendly innovations into factories and businesses from the outset.
The second pillar, he explained, is zero waste — a circular economy approach that promotes recycling and reuse rather than a “use-and-dispose” system.
The third pillar is the strict enforcement of environmental laws now, rather than postponing regulation until after economic growth, a principle he described as “strict rules now.”
Abubaker, an Assistant Director of Research at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), said Nigeria could take advantage of its developing industrial base to pursue a cleaner growth path.
“Because the country is still developing, it can leapfrog the dirty stages that older economies endured,” he said.
“Choosing clean energy and smart regulations now will enable the government to build a resilient economy that creates wealth without sacrificing the health of its citizens,” Abubaker added.
