Abuja: The Federal Government is implementing policies aimed at reducing methane emissions from dumpsites and promoting sustainable waste management practices across the country. The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, highlighted these initiatives at a stakeholder engagement workshop on the Multi-Solving Action for Methane Reduction in Nigeria (MAMRN) Project held on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop was organized by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Climate Change Matters and Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV) Nigeria. Lawal, represented by Mrs. Omotunde Adeola, Director of the Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, described methane as a potent greenhouse gas emitted from dumpsites. He emphasized the ministry’s ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ mandate, urging Nigerians to adopt responsible waste management practices and convert waste into useful economic resources.
The event also highlighted the impact of human activities on flooding, with a call for residents to manage waste properly and avoid indiscriminate disposal into drainage channels. Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General of NCCC, stated that the MAMRN project was designed to advance methane mitigation efforts in Nigeria’s waste sector. Represented by Mr. Michael Ivenso, Director of Energy, Transportation and Infrastructure, she explained that the project aims to support the development of a National Action Plan for Methane Reduction in the Waste Sector.
Majekodunmi further stressed the significance of methane reduction as part of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. She pointed out that open dumping and poor waste management significantly contribute to emissions. Addressing these challenges could deliver environmental, public health, economic, and social benefits, including cleaner communities, green jobs, resource efficiency, and improved quality of life.
The Director-General emphasized the importance of effective waste management in strengthening Nigeria’s circular economy by promoting resource recovery, reducing environmental pollution, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic development and employment. She assured stakeholders that the NCCC would provide technical guidance and support for developing and implementing the National Action Plan on methane reduction in Nigeria’s waste sector, collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Environment, SRADeV, development partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the workshop outcomes translate into measurable actions.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV, called for proper solid waste management to reduce methane emissions and mitigate their impact on climate change. He emphasized the need for effective waste management practices and urged waste generators to take responsibility for properly managing the waste they produce. Adogame also commended Nigeria for developing a robust policy framework on waste management and encouraged stakeholders to sustain efforts toward reducing methane emissions.