The Federal Government has moved to effectively turn waste tyres to economically beneficial materials to society, by coordinating and promoting an environmentally friendly disposal system.
The federal government noted that out of the billions of tyres generated as waste globally, Nigeria alone accounts for over 10 million out of which 2 million waste are generated, many of which constitute health challenges besides being unfriendly to the environment.
To achieve this, the Federal Government through the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Agency (NESREA) has partnered the Utilization Tyre Producer Responsibility Organization (UTPRO) which launched in Abuja on Tuesday.
Director General of National Environmental and Standard Regulatory Agency (NESREA), Prof Aliyu Jauro, said that with a population of over 11 million vehicles in the country and about 400,000 of its import annually, it was apt to address the menace of old tyres, so they can be properly recycled for a circular economy.
Addressing the media and some stakeholders in Abuja, Jauro said “despite the inherent durability of tyres, thanks to the complex three-dimensional grid of polymers that trap the various components of the rubber mixture, it is crucial to ensure that they are not treated in a manner that poses harm to humans and the environment.
“For instance, when tyres are stockpiled, they become breeding grounds for malaria-causing mosquitoes as they collect water, and when disposed of through open burning, it releases toxic emissions.
“Alarming statistics reveal that staggering one billion end-of-life tyres are generated globally, with approximately four billion currently occupying landfills and stockpiles worldwide.
“In Nigeria alone, the automobile sector generates around ten million tyres each year without environmentally friendly management traceability data,” he stated.
Chairman, Used Tyre Producers Responsibility Organization pointed out that the Nigerian office would step up a global campaign to impress on all tyre producers that end up in Nigeria for use to take responsibility for its disposal according to global best practices.
He said the current problem Nigeria faces stem from the alarming rate at which used tyres are being discarded.
According to him “These discarded tyres pose a significant threat to our 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.
“Furthermore, stagnant water collected in these discarded tyres provides a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes, amplifying the risk of vector-borne illnesses.
“Nigeria generates over 2 million used tyres, and this number is anticipated to rise significantly in the coming years.
“Moreover, the importation of vehicles into the country continues unabated, leading to a surge in tyre production and, unfortunately, an escalation in tyre disposal problems.
“Our actions today will determine the wellbeing of our environment, communities, and future generations. We cannot afford to let the problem of used tyre disposal continue to escalate unchecked.
“With our partnership and collective effort, we can pave the way for a sustainable and environmentally conscious Nigeria,” he stated.
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