The Ogun State Government has unveiled a circular economy strategy to convert electronic waste into economic value, prioritizing job creation, environmental protection, and industrial sustainability.
Governor Abiodun, while stating that the lives and safety of chemical handlers and users are non-negotiable, noted that industrial growth must be matched with environmental responsibility.
Abiodun spoke at the 4th Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) Capacity Building Workshop, themed “Transforming E-Waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solutions for Ogun State,” held in Abeokuta on Thursday.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, insisted that the state could no longer tolerate the informal handling of hazardous waste.
He cited estimates that Nigeria generates over 500,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, warning that improper disposal releases toxic substances such as lead and mercury, which pose serious health risks.
Abiodun said, “Improper dismantling and disposal of this equipment release lead, mercury, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic substances into our soil and waterways, threatening the health of our residents, particularly our children and our most vulnerable communities.
“This workshop specifically targets chemical handlers and users, the men and women on the frontlines of e-waste processing. I want to address you directly: Your safety is non-negotiable.
“You face daily exposure to lead in cathode ray tubes, mercury in flat-screen backlights, cadmium in batteries, and brominated flame retardants in plastics. Improper handling causes respiratory diseases, neurological damage, and chronic poisoning. Today, we commit to equipping you with proper Personal Protective Equipment, training in safe dismantling techniques, and connection to formal processing channels that protect your health while preserving your livelihood.”
The governor charged participants to produce a concrete e-waste roadmap, establish a multi-sector task force, and secure binding commitments from industry players.
The State Commissioner for Environment, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Kafayat Lawal, described the workshop as timely, adding that the objective is to advance the development of a draft Ogun State E-waste and Circular Economy Roadmap and establish a multi-sectoral task force to drive its implementation.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, described the theme as a significant shift in perspective, saying it would encourage participants to find opportunities in every crisis.
He stressed the need to see electronic waste beyond an environmental burden, but as useful resources within a sustainable economic framework.
The General Manager, OGEPA, Kehinde Bello, in his welcome address, said the workshop was aimed at creating a structured, safe, and forward-thinking framework for e-waste management, adding that regulation alone was not enough, hence the need for more collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best practices, particularly in safe chemical handling during e-waste recycling.
The highlight of the event was the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding among OGEPA, E-Terra Technologies Ltd., and the E-Waste Relief Foundation.
