Environmental Engineers Urge Nigerians To Embrace Circular Economy

MUDASHIRU TAWAKALITU OLUWATOYIN

Stakeholders in environmental engineering have urged Nigeria to transition from its traditional linear economy to a circular economy to address climate change, create jobs and promote sustainable development.

They made the call at the 9th memorial public lecture of the late Engineer Samuel Fadahunsi, organised by the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) in Benin City. The lecture was themed, “Engineering Climate Resilience and Circular Economy Solutions for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

Professor Jacob Ehiorobo, one of the speakers, called for increased investment in waste recycling infrastructure, noting that Nigeria generates more than 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with food waste and plastics accounting for a substantial share.

Ehiorobo said the country’s waste recycling market could grow to N100 billion by 2030 and generate more than 250,000 jobs. He explained that a circular economy promotes the reuse and recycling of materials rather than the conventional “take-make-dispose” model.

According to him, the approach could stimulate new industries, create employment, encourage innovation, reduce waste and resource depletion, and strengthen local production through sustainable technologies.

He stressed that effective policies, institutional support and collaboration among government agencies, private-sector operators and international organisations would be essential to expand recycling and climate action.

The keynote speaker, Professor Emmanuel Oluwadare Akpaja, highlighted mushroom production as another area with economic potential, citing its health benefits and capacity to generate income.

NIEE National Chairman, Engr Caius Ikem Umekesiobi, described Fadahunsi as a visionary engineer committed to using engineering to serve humanity and protect the environment.

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, represented by Engr Chukudi Akpotowho, commended the NIEE for sustaining the annual memorial lecture.

Fadahunsi’s family expressed appreciation to the institution for preserving his legacy.