The Abia State Government, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), has commenced a five-day stakeholders’ workshop to develop a State-Level Implementation Plan for the effective management of Used Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment (OGREE) waste.
The workshop, holding in Umuahia, is aimed at strengthening sustainable waste management, promoting circular economy practices and improving the handling of end-of-life renewable energy equipment across the state.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, described the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing environmental sustainability and responsible waste management in Abia State.
He said the implementation plan would provide a practical framework for the proper collection, recycling and disposal of renewable energy waste while creating opportunities to convert waste into valuable economic resources.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to environmental protection and the transition to a circular economy.
Also speaking, EU Waste Management Expert, Ms. Emem Umana, said the project is designed to improve the management of used off-grid renewable energy equipment and plastic waste through circular economy approaches that will reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
She explained that the programme would strengthen the capacity of government agencies and other stakeholders to implement the National Policy on Used Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment Waste Management while promoting resource recovery, green job creation and improved environmental governance.
The workshop has attracted representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, environmental experts, private sector operators and civil society organisations.
At the end of the five-day exercise, participants are expected to produce a comprehensive State-Level Implementation Plan and operational guidelines to support the implementation of the National Policy on Used Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment (OGREE) Waste Management in Abia State.
