An environmentalist, Taiwo Adewole, has urged the government and Nigerians to ensure proper waste management to conserve biodiversity and prevent pollution.

Mr Adewole made the call during a telephone interview on Sunday in Lagos.

He noted that effective waste management would reduce the spread of diseases, minimise the presence of vermin and pests, and improve hygiene.

“Proper waste management prevents pollution, protects natural resources, and conserves biodiversity.

“Waste management strategies such as recycling, composting, and energy recovery help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling and waste reduction help conserve natural resources like water, energy, and land,” he said.

He added that by prioritising waste management, everyone could create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for future generations.

Mr Adewole said there were ways waste could be reduced and managed in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

He called for reduction in the amount of waste generated by avoiding dingle-use products and choosing products with minimal packaging.

“Minimise waste generation by reducing consumption, buying in bulk, and choosing products with minimal packaging. Reuse items whenever possible, such as using reusable bags, containers, and water bottles,’ he said.

Mr Adewole added that Nigerians should recycle as much waste as possible including paper, plastic, glass and metal.

He said all these if followed by individuals and communities could significantly reduce waste environmental impact.

He noted that in Nigeria, generation of municipal solid waste, industrial hazardous and biomedical waste had increased due to population growth, life style changes and economic development.

“On the other hand, waste management responses have not kept pace with the increasing quantities of waste resulting in a high proportion of uncollected waste, and poor standards of transportation, storage, treatment and disposal. The insanitary methods adopted for disposal of solid wastes is a serious health concern with significant environmental, social and health costs associated with it.

“Open dumping of garbage facilitates the breeding of disease vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, and other pests. The poorly maintained landfill sites are prone to groundwater  contamination because of leachate production,” he said.

He, however, appealed to the government at all levels to effectively enforce laws and regulations to ensure proper waste management practices.

“Waste management involves various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, communities, and individuals, working together to manage waste in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner,” he said.

(NAN)