The Abia State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, has commenced the drafting of the Abia State Plan and Implementation Guideline for Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment (OGREE) Waste Management as part of efforts to promote sustainable environmental practices and a circular economy in the State.
Speaking during the exercise held at Crystal Paradise Hote Umuahial, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, said Abia had long aligned with off-grid renewable energy alternatives and was working with development partners to ensure that Abians benefit from alternative sources of power.
The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Ikechukwu Chidozie Oriuwa said the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti was committed to ensuring that the people of Abia continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy, while embracing initiatives that promote sustainable development and improve the wellbeing of citizens.
According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Obioma Chidinma Success , the Commissioner commended the European Union/United Nations Industrial Development Organization (EU/UNIDO) team for its high level of professionalism and expertise, expressing confidence that their technical assistance would contribute significantly to the success of the project in Abia State.
Ogbonna urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other stakeholders participating in the exercise, to give the initiative the necessary attention and become active drivers of its implementation in the State.
The activity brought together relevant stakeholders and critical MDAs and is being implemented under the EU/UNIDO Circular Economy Project.
The drafting exercise follows the recently concluded capacity-building programme for state policy and data experts conducted by the EU/UNIDO team and comes after the validation of the National Policy on Used Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment Waste Management.
The proposed State Plan and Implementation Guideline is expected to establish a framework for promoting the circular economy and effective management of OGREE waste in Abia State. It will also foster collaboration with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), regulators, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), NGOs, CSOs, as well as Federal, State and Local Government stakeholders in advancing environmental sustainability.
In addition, the plan seeks to create a framework for awareness creation and capacity building, while promoting technology-driven solutions for the effective management of OGREE waste and other related components.
The drafting team is expected to conclude the process in the coming weeks and submit the first draft to the EU/UNIDO team for further action.
