By Uchechi Afonne
Stakeholders in Anambra have called for formalisation of the state’s e-waste sector to promote safer recycling and sustainable environmental management.
The call was made on Friday at the Anambra E-Waste Collectors and Aggregators Roundtable, held virtually to address challenges confronting the sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable was organised by the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association, SWEEP Foundation NG and the state Ministry of Environment.
The theme of the roundtable was: “From Street Pickers to Green Entrepreneurs.”
The meeting focused on ways to formalise, finance and strengthen the e-waste value chain in Anambra.
Participants included the Anambra Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi; Executive Secretary of the Extended Producer Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria, Mrs Ibukun Faluyi; and climate consultant, Amb. Philips Obuesi.
Aguiyi reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting and regulating the e-waste sector.
Faluyi presented national guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility and outlined opportunities available to producers and recyclers.
Participants identified lack of registration, inadequate finance, personal protective equipment and aggregation centres as major challenges affecting the sector.
The stakeholders agreed to develop a database of e-waste collectors and aggregators operating across the state.
They also resolved to establish three pilot aggregation hubs in Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi.
The participants further agreed to provide training on safety, waste sorting and business formalisation for operators.
They resolved to facilitate access to finance and off-take agreements for e-waste operators in the state.
The organisers said the roundtable was aimed at co-creating pathways to formalise, finance and grow the e-waste value chain in Anambra.
The stakeholders expressed readiness to work with the government to strengthen e-waste management and improve recycling practices across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma