On Friday, the Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) was represented by Mallam Aliyu Auwal at the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria Policy Dialogue, themed “From NDC Commitments to Corporate Action.”
During the panel discussion, Mallam Aliyu commended the efforts of the government, particularly the Lagos State Government, in advancing climate action, sustainability, and the circular economy.
He emphasized the need for climate and sustainability reporting platforms to be simplified, centralized, and localized to reflect the realities of African countries, particularly Nigeria. Many local organizations and actors within the waste sector are already contributing to emissions reduction and environmental sustainability but often lack the technical capacity to quantify their impact and access emerging opportunities such as carbon credits.
He also highlighted the need to address the imbalance between businesses investing in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance and those operating without comparable compliance costs. He called for stronger enforcement against non-compliance, alongside appropriate tax incentives and other support mechanisms for businesses that meet environmental and sustainability standards.
WAPAN extends special appreciation to Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Lagos State Governor, for highlighting practical pathways and promising solutions for advancing climate action and the circular economy.
We also appreciate Naomi Nwakolo, CEO of the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, for convening this important dialogue and providing a platform for meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
WAPAN remains committed to ensuring that waste pickers and local circular-economy actors are recognized, empowered, and meaningfully included in Nigeria’s climate action framework.
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