By Fatima Saka
Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, has proposed a groundbreaking Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Bill aimed at strengthening the legal framework for waste management and promoting sustainable development across Nigeria.
Ugbor made the announcement during his goodwill remarks at the launch of waste battery receptacles for small-sized batteries by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling (ARBR) on Thursday in Abuja.
The proposed EPR Bill is designed to ensure that all sectors, including producers, manufacturers, businesses, and private individuals, are held accountable for managing the waste they contribute to the environment.
Ugbor highlighted that the bill will offer clear guidelines on how various waste streams should be handled, aiming to foster a shared responsibility model for waste management in Nigeria.
“The EPR Act is an ambitious step toward transforming waste management in Nigeria. Once passed into law, it will set the stage for one of the most comprehensive environmental agendas in the 10th Assembly,” Ugbor said.
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He underscored the importance of strong collaboration between the legislative and executive arms of government to make the bill a reality and to further Nigeria’s environmental governance goals.
The proposed legislation is expected to transition the country from the current linear economy, which relies heavily on resource extraction and waste, to a more sustainable circular economy. This system would prioritize environmental responsibility and accountability, encouraging both private and public stakeholders to actively participate in the preservation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
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