Stakeholders in environmental engineering have called for a shift from Nigeria’s traditional linear economy to a circular economy to tackle climate change, create jobs and promote sustainable development
They spoke at the 9th memorial public lecture of late Engineer Samuel Fadahunsi, organised by the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) in Benin City, with the theme, “Engineering Climate Resilience and Circular Economy Solutions for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”
One of the speakers, Professor Jacob Ehiorobo, called for massive investment in waste recycling facilities, saying Nigeria generates more than 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with food waste and plastics accounting for a significant proportion
He said the waste recycling market could reach N100 billion by 2030 and create more than 250,000 jobs
According to him, a circular economy promotes the reuse and recycling of materials, instead of the traditional “take-make-dispose” model
He said the approach could create new industries and jobs, encourage innovation, reduce resource depletion and waste, and boost local production through sustainable technologies
Ehiorobo, however, stressed the need for strong policies, institutional support and collaboration among government agencies, private sector operators and international organisations to scale up recycling and climate action
The keynote speaker, Professor Emmanuel Oluwadare Akpaja, highlighted the economic potential of mushroom production, saying it offers health benefits and opportunities for income generation
The NIEE National Chairman, Engr Caius Ikem Umekesiobi, described Fadahunsi as a visionary who believed engineering should serve humanity and protect the environment
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, represented by Engr Chukudi Akpotowho, commended NIEE for sustaining the annual memorial lecture
The late engineer’s family also thanked the institution for keeping his memory alive