The Lagos State Government has charged members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to evolve better ways of waste management to reduce environmental pollution in the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, gave the charge when members of MAN, Ikeja branch, paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Alausa.
Durosinmi-Etti said that the manufacturers could be the solution to pollution and waste challenges by tapping into the enormous opportunities in waste recycling in the state.
He said that the environment must be of paramount concern to both government and investors, for the ease of doing business.
According to him, government is preoccupied with creating the enabling environment where manufacturing and commerce will thrive.
“We have to continue to think of how to create an enabling environment and build infrastructure, so as to continue to encourage manufacturing and commerce.
“We recognise that members of your association (MAN) are employers of labour and equally generators of waste.
“Consequently, you ought to take cognizance of waste to wealth initiatives, to provide solutions and create more employment, while government builds the necessary infrastructure and creates the needed environment for business to thrive,” he said.
The commissioner said that the state was in the forefront of efforts to build local capacity and entrepreneurship as exemplified by achievements of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSTF).
He said that such effort is exemplified in the partnership with the Lagos State Welders Association, through the Lagos State Vocational Education Board (LSVEB) for the manufacturing of waste bins.
The Chairman, MAN, Ikeja Branch, Mr Francis Meshioye, commended the cordial relationship between manufacturers and the Lagos State Government.
Meshioye called for more harmonious relationship with state government agencies, in order to ensure return on investment. (NAN)
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