By Our Correspondent
The Lagos State Government and a Netherlands company have signed a Letter of Intent to establish a waste smelter plant in Lagos.
TheNewsZenith reports that the company, “Close the Loop BV” has the backing of the Netherlands government.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at Alausa, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, who signed on behalf of the state, said it is about improving the economy of Lagos.
Wahab said when the smelter plant comes onstream, it would create new jobs. It will also provide a new economy through the conversion of e-waste into valuable products.
According to him, the presence of the Consul-General of the Netherlands affirms the confidence and capabilities of the company.
The commissioner described electronic waste as a major waste that people hardly talk about.
With the latest step, he said Lagos is ahead of some states and countries in the sub-region regarding converting electronic waste to wealth.
Wahab explained that many people are not properly aware of how to dispose of either the electronic products they use or the waste from e-products.
He added that a lack of awareness of the proper disposal of e-waste leads to the risk of pollution and the dangers it poses to human health.
The commissioner said that improper management of e-waste can affect the environment badly.
He urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure in their environment.
Also speaking, Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Rotimi Akodu expressed the readiness of the Lagos team to collaborate on building a sustainable environment.
Read Related News:
Driver fleeing from LASTMA kills 2 street sweepers
Climate Action: Key to sustainable development – CSO
Gov. Yusuf says dissatisfied with decay at 2 Kano agencies
PIA will resolve apprehension in oil communities – Stakeholders
LAWMA serves 343 contravention notices on construction sites
Akodu said the “Close the Loop BV” officials were ready for the job.
“We have a lot of waste in place and now is the time to convert them to wealth.
“We have signed the conversion of waste to energy, and now we are taking care of our electronic wastes.
“I am sure that no state imagined that it is possible. It is something we welcome and ready to partner with you,” Akodu said.
The Netherlands Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr Michel Deleen, commended the state government for promptly responding to environmental challenges.
Deleen cited the example of the heavy rainfall experienced, on Wednesday, observing that the flash flood that accompanied it disappeared, a few hours after the rain stopped.
“Most developed countries with infrastructure in place still experience flash floods when it rains incessantly,” he said.
He assured that the Netherlands government was ready to collaborate with the state to turn waste into valuable wealth.
Also speaking, the President Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers, Ingrid Thijssen, expressed delight at the partnership.
Thijssen added that it would benefit both parties tremendously.
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share story(ies) of happenings in your area with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenithonline@gmail.com