Lagos State Government has tasked members of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other entrepreneurs to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint by embracing Green Manufacturing in alignment with global standards of improving livelihoods, generating income, and creating jobs while preserving the environment.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya, FCA, gave this charge at the 5th edition of the Environmental Seminar/Award Ceremony organised by Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ikeja Branch on Friday.
Speaking on the theme: “Green Manufacturing: Managing Standards and Making Profit”, Ososanya stated that green manufacturing improves the manufacturer’s bottom line, boosts employee motivation, and demonstrates social responsibility.
Her words: “When we embrace Green Manufacturing, we can achieve a smaller carbon footprint and reduce the number of toxins released into the atmosphere. Future generations will ultimately benefit from improved air and water quality, fewer landfills, and more renewable energy sources.
Ososanya noted that in line with this growing trend, the administration of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced plans to power essential public utilities in public transportation, health and educational sectors, etc., using renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.
“Also, the administration has pledged to fully implement the recommendations of the just concluded Lagos Circular Economy Hotspot, the very first on the Continent of Africa, and organised by the State, in partnership with African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) and the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership (CEIP), supported by the Netherlands. The teeming population of Lagos would be profitably and effectively engaged through the initiative, which Mr. Governor mentioned would transcend Lagos, the country at large, and the entire Sub-Saharan Africa”, she said.
Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Funke Adepoju emphasised the need to imbibe manufacturing processes that are environmentally friendly as the current methods contribute to environmental pollution, which also affects the State’s surface and underground water resources.
She stressed the importance of Green Manufacturing, which will contribute to improving the ecosystem and preserve our natural water resources.
Other Government agencies present at the event include the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LASWAMO), Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA) and Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) among others, admonished Manufacturers to help protect the environment using renewable products that have a lower environmental impact.