Nigeria Can Boost Economy With Waste Recycling – British Envoy
The Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission, Lagos, Ms. Laure Beaufils, has said the recycling of plastic and other waste can boost the economic status of Nigeria.
Beaufils gave the advice at the commemoration of the Earth Day 2018 organised by the Lufasi Nature Park in Ajah, Lagos.
According to her, Nigerians should see plastic and waste recycling from the business and profit-making angles.
She stated, “It is a global issue and it is fantastic that Nigeria is also stepping in on issues bothering on eradicating plastic waste.
“A lot more needs to be done, and it is fantastic that even by tackling the issues, the communities and individuals can make money from recycling.”
The Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Recycle Points, Alison Ukonu, noted that improper disposal of waste could have a negative effect on the environment.
He said, “By proper management of waste, Nigerians can enjoy the benefits from the proper recycling of waste. Recycle Points is working towards having recycling centres in every part of Lagos for the communities to trade their waste for points in order to win different prices.
“For the country to help the environment, Nigerians must understand the value of the waste they throw away carelessly.”
The Executive Director, Lufasi Nature Park, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, said there was the need for increased sensitisation of Nigerians to the effect of plastic use.
He noted that the country was the eleventh largest dumper of plastic in the oceans.
Majekodunmi stated, “It is very important to know that our activities have done a lot of damage to the earth, which gives us everything for our survival.
“The reality is that by 2050, if not earlier than that, we could have more plastic in the oceans than we have fishes, and that is very scary. So many creatures in the oceans are eating plastic and being killed off, that is why the population of fishes is being reduced and we know billions of people depend on fish for their protein needs.”
He noted that in ensuring that a good legacy was left for the future generations, Nigerians must be part of the solution to proper recycling of wastes.
