FG reiterates commitment to chemical management

Federal Government has assured its commitment towards combating harmful chemicals that are hazardous to the environment.
The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Laraba Mallam who revealed this at the ongoing United Nations Environmental Assembly, UNEA, in Nairobi, Kenya, said that the commitment would include a wholesome look into how electronic waste was being imported, inspection of container ships, sensitising farmers on the use of the correct type of pesticides and the need to comply strictly with international conventions on chemicals.
According to the minister, there was the need to strengthen synergy as the world deals with the issue of chemical management.
Mallam said: “ the commitment of Nigeria on the management of chemicals cannot be rivaled and this include training on the importation of electronic waste, reduction of illegal electronic waste transfer through inspection of container ships, information to farmers about the ruse of pesticide and strict compliance with International Chemicals Conventions.”
Speaking further at the UNEA event titled ‘Detoxifying Development: How Strengthened Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste Contribute to Sustainable Development’, Mallam said the role partnership could play could not be overemphasized, especially in addressing the worrying issue of chemical management on imported electronic waste by small business.
She revealed that other issues to be discussed at the United Nations Environment Assembly included illegal trade in wildlife, financing the green economy, rule of law as it concerns the environment and Sustainable Development Goals.
Personalities in attendance included the Ambassador of the Federal Office of the Environment, Switzerland, Franz Perrez, Minister of Environment to Uruguay, Fransisco Bettrame, Ambassador of Japan to Kenya, Tatsushi Terads and the Director, Social and Environmental Responsibility, Hewlett – Packard, Herve Guilcher.