Poor Waste Management Could Lead To Calamity, Warns Former Permanent Secretary

Poor Waste Management Could Lead To Calamity, Warns Former Permanent Secretary

Mrs. Odusote Ibukun, the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and National Coordinator of Digital Peers International, has issued a stark warning about the potential calamities resulting from poor waste management. Speaking during a visit to government schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to donate waste receptacles, she highlighted the critical need for proper waste disposal, particularly of plastic waste, as a pressing global issue.

“I’ve spent much of my career in the environment. Combining environment with agriculture and economic issues, they’re all interconnected,” Mrs. Ibukun stated. She emphasized her extensive experience in the field, noting the severe consequences of inadequate waste management.

Mrs. Ibukun pointed out that improper waste disposal is not just a Nigerian problem but a global one that demands international attention. She stressed the importance of preventing foreign waste from being dumped in Nigeria and vice versa. “That’s why we have to educate our young people on pollution and waste management, so they understand that gutters are not meant for waste. We want our environment clean, with proper recycling or disposal,” she added.

Acknowledging the efforts of the FCT Administration, Mrs. Ibukun noted that the FCT is making significant strides in waste management compared to other states. “When you go into the hinterland, the villages of FCT, you will still see it’s a lot cleaner than other states,” she remarked.