The Zero Waste International Alliance defines zero waste as the conservation of all resources through responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials.

The Alliance notes that these practices are carried out without incineration or harmful discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.

Embracing a zero-waste culture has a positive impact on the waste management value chain, ensuring that the environment is protected and contributing to the reduction of climate change effects in the country.

The guidelines on zero waste recommend the development of proper waste infrastructure, such as the use of separate bins for improved waste sorting, recycling, and collection efficiency.

To promote the culture of “Going Zero Waste”, the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), organised a stakeholders engagement session.

The event, titled “Advancing Capacity and Strengthening National Advocacy Towards Implementing a Zero Waste Initiative in Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria,” seeks to foster dialogue and actions for reducing plastic waste.

Dr Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, advocates green consumerism and behavioral change among Nigerians.

He emphasises that achieving sustainability in waste management requires adopting new habits and systems.

“These are some of the measures needed to achieve circularity. Until we incorporate these principles into our waste management systems, we are merely scratching the surface,” Adogame stated.

He disapproves of the current waste practices in Nigeria, highlighting that consumption and production habits are unsustainable.

“We consume as if there’s no tomorrow and produce recklessly,” Adogame notes.

He stresses that reducing waste at the source, by producing and consuming only what can be managed, is critical to achieving zero waste.

“We must start producing only what we can recycle because we don’t have the capacity to invest in sanitary landfills,” Adogame adds.

He notes that investing in landfill infrastructure was a costly venture, especially in an economy that is currently under strain.

Instead, Adogame advocates for investing in behavioral change to reduce the amount of waste sent to dumpsites, noting that this could have a far more sustainable impact in the long run.

Weyinmi Okotie, a Clean Energy Campaigner for GAIA, emphasises that reaching zero plastic waste requires significant effort and collaboration from all stakeholders in the industry.

According to Okotie, plastic waste management is a systemic problem.

“We need to approach it holistically to achieve zero plastic waste.

“First, we must fully understand our current situation. Although some data exists, we need comprehensive data to grasp the scale of what needs to be done.”

He also advises the Lagos State Government to reconsider its plan for a waste-to-energy incinerator, warning that such facilities can reduce the incentive for waste reduction.

“If an incinerator is built, there will be less motivation for people to reduce waste.

“This could hinder efforts to achieve zero plastic waste in Nigeria,” Okotie cautions.

Olugbenga Adebola, National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), expresses optimism about achieving zero plastic waste.

He believes that with strong commitment from the public, government, and industry practitioners, the goal was attainable.

Adebola recalls that he and other Nigerians were sent to Cairo and the U.S. over 20 years ago to study the Zero Waste initiative.

He adds that the the intention is to implement it in Lagos.

“Political will is key, and Lagos state has been a leader in this area,” Adebola says.

“For the Zero Waste initiative to work, every waste generator must see waste as a resource.

“Segregation—sorting waste into plastic, paper, aluminum, and other materials—is essential. These materials can be exchanged for monetary value, Adebola said

Adebola adds that plastic wastes, especially PET bottles, have become valuable commodities in Nigeria, and that similar value is being found in other waste types like paper and scrap metals.

He highlights new projects focused on converting organic waste into organic fertiliser, biogas, and bioethanol, which can power trucks and vehicles.

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water, Tokunbo Wahab, highlights the importance of collaboration between regulators, NGOs, and stakeholders to achieve environmental sustainability.

Represented by Mr Ade Babajide, a director in the ministry, Wahab notes that the state’s recent ban on Styrofoam was due to its contribution to flooding by blocking waterways.

“The government banned Styrofoam use because it was causing environmental damage.

“I can confirm that over 85 per cent of Styrofoam have been removed, and our enforcement teams continue to ensure compliance,” Babajide says.

Mr Friday Oku, President, Association of Scraps and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL), lauds waste pickers as the unsung heroes of waste value chain.

According to him, waste pickers are the heroes of recycling adding that without their efforts in waste sorting and segregation, there cannot be effective recycling of wastes.

Oku advocates the practice of proper waste sorting at source to achieve zero waste.

In conclusion stakeholders agree that zero waste can be achieved in Nigeria, but it requires concerted efforts from the government and individuals to achieve.

By Fabian Ekeruche