Mr. Taiwo Adewole, an environmentalist, has called on both the government and citizens to prioritize effective waste management to conserve biodiversity and combat pollution. In a telephone interview with the pathwaynews on Sunday in Lagos, Adewole emphasized the critical role of proper waste management in reducing disease spread, minimizing pests, and improving overall hygiene.
“Proper waste management prevents pollution, protects natural resources, and conserves biodiversity,” Adewole explained. He highlighted that strategies like recycling, composting, and energy recovery are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving resources such as water, energy, and land.
Adewole urged Nigerians to adopt sustainable practices by minimizing waste generation through reduced consumption, buying in bulk, and opting for products with minimal packaging. He also advocated for reusing items like bags, containers, and water bottles, and emphasized the importance of recycling paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
He noted that Nigeria’s increasing waste generation—driven by population growth, lifestyle changes, and economic development—has not been matched by adequate waste management responses. This discrepancy has led to significant environmental and health challenges, including uncollected waste, poor transportation and disposal standards, and contamination of groundwater from poorly maintained landfill sites.
“The insanitary disposal methods contribute to the breeding of disease vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, and rats,” Adewole pointed out. He stressed the need for improved waste management practices and urged the government to enforce laws and regulations effectively.
“Waste management requires collaboration among governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to ensure sustainable and environmentally responsible practices,” he concluded.
