The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Used Tyres Producers Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (UTPRON) on the menace of used tyres disposal in Nigeria.
Prof. Aliyu Jauro, Director-General of NESREA while signing on behalf of the agency, said it is aimed to enhance the management of End-of-Life (EOL) tyres for the sustainable development of our environment.
He said that statistics reveal that one billion EOL tyres are generated globally, with approximately four billion currently occupying landfills and stockpiles worldwide.
“In Nigeria alone, the automobile sector generates around 10 million tyres each year without environmentally friendly management traceability data,“he said.
“These figures highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to address the management of EOL tyres in the country,“he said.
Jauro said that to ensure the protection of the environment, public health and biodiversity, the Agency has operationalized 34 national environmental regulations.
He said that they include the National Environmental (Domestic and Industrial Plastic, Rubber, and Foa sector) Regulations and where tyres are encapsulated.
The D-G said the responsibility of UTPRON includes coordinating Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), provide expert advisory services to tyre Producers/Collectors/Recyclers and consumers among others.
“All tyres Producer (manufacturers, importers, brand-owners, major distributors of tyres, etc.) are by this launch notified of the operationalisation of the EPR programme for the tyre waste stream or sub-sector,“he said.
He urged all tyre producers, collectors, recyclers and other stakeholders to collaborate with NESREA and UTPRON to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all Nigerians.
Jauro commended UTPRON for partnering with the agency to tackle and control the menace of EoL tyres in the country.
Mr Willy Nwoye, Chairman of UTPRON said that used tyres pose a significant threat to the environment, public health, and safety.
“Improper disposal methods, such as burning or dumping tyres in open spaces, release toxic fumes and chemicals into the air, water, and soil, leading to severe environmental degradation.
“The current problem we face stems from the alarming rate at which used tyres are being discarded in Nigeria,“he said.
According to him, stagnant water collected in these discarded tyres provides a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes, amplifying the risk of vector-borne illnesses.
“About 400,000 vehicles are imported into the country annually. Consequently, this vast number of vehicles necessitates a corresponding number of tyres.
“Nigeria generates over two million used tyres annually, and this number is anticipated to rise significantly in the coming years.
“ The importation of vehicles into the country continues unabated, leading to a surge in tyre production and, unfortunately, an escalation in tyre disposal problems,“he said.
Nwoye said that the current rate of growth of used tyres is not sustainable, and if left unaddressed, it will have far-reaching consequences.
“The increasing number of discarded tyres worsens the risk of environmental pollution and poses a direct threat to our communities.
. It is imperative that we take immediate action to mitigate these risks and safeguard the future of our nation.
He said that the partnership is aimed at tackling the issue of used tyres disposal in the country head-on.
“Through collaboration, we are bringing together the expertise, resources, and commitment necessary to implement effective solutions to curtail the growing menace of used tyres disposal,“he said.
He said that the initiative is hinged on economy and environment, where jobs will be created for existing businesses in the tyre management sector and generate employment.
“We are particularly passionate about the role this initiative will play at creating jobs and making new millionaires out of this program, which is driving our goal toward a robust circular economy.
“With our partnership and collective effort, we can pave the way for a sustainable and environmentally conscious Nigeria.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria