The Edo State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Development, Mrs Adaze Aguele-Kalu, has called on investors within and outside the state to tap into the potential of the waste management and recycling industry.
Mrs Aguele-Kalu made this entreaty on Sunday in Benin City, following a successful clean-up exercise organized by the state. Amidst celebrations to mark Governor Godwin Obaseki’s 66th birthday, civil servants took to the streets and major markets to ensure a clean environment.
Commending the dedicated civil and public servants who participated in the community-wide clean-up exercise, the Commissioner also lauded Governor Obaseki for his commendable directive that paved the way for the initiative.
Highlighting the pressing need for effective waste management, Mrs Aguele-Kalu emphasized that Nigeria generates a staggering 32 million tonnes of waste annually, with 2.5 million tonnes being plastic waste. Regrettably, the majority of this waste finds its way into landfills, sewers, beaches, and water bodies, posing a severe environmental hazard.
Furthermore, she emphasized that the waste recycling industry has the potential to boost internally generated revenue and create numerous employment opportunities for the youth population in Edo State.
Inviting investors from all corners to seize the opportunity, Mrs Aguele-Kalu stated, “The waste recycling industry is a burgeoning sector in Nigeria.”
According to research, the Global Waste Recycling Services market is projected to reach an impressive $91.67 billion by 2030, growing at a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2021 to 2030.
