From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has launched a task force to combat vandalism of public infrastructure across Nigeria.
This comes as the waste recycling sector has generated about 1.3 million jobs, managing 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually.
Special Assistant on Research Strategy to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Saidu Ahmed, who presented the National Values Charter, said the initiative would curb the activities of individuals who sabotage public assets, threatening economic progress.
According to him, the task force comprises personnel from the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the police, and traditional leaders.
Ahmed, in a statement yesterday, stressed the need for a robust partnership between citizens and government officials.
He noted that the circular economy sector has spurred a 3.2 per cent GDP increase, improved the trade balance with a €4.4 billion boost from imports, and created 1.6 million jobs.
Chairman of NAK Steel Rolling Mills Company Limited, Akilu Hassan Mohammed, praised the Katsina State government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for their progressive policies supporting the circular economy, highlighting the Ministry of Environment’s commitment to sustaining sectoral growth.
“This tour aims to rally support for the circular sector and will culminate in the first National Circular Economy Workers Summit in early 2025.
“The summit seeks to strengthen collaboration among sector stakeholders, enhancing productivity and job creation to support the nation’s economy,” he added.