Kano to Partner EU, UNIDO on Circular Economy, Renewable Energy

The Kano State Government says it will partner with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to promote circular economy practices, renewable energy and sustainable waste management in the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, disclosed this at the opening of a two-day capacity-building training on Renewable Energy Waste Management held in Kano. The programme is being implemented under an EU-funded UNIDO project aimed at advancing Nigeria’s transition to a green and circular economy.

Hashim said the partnership would strengthen the state’s environmental sustainability agenda through improved management of renewable energy waste, particularly used solar panels, batteries, electronic waste and plastics.

According to him, the initiative will enhance institutional capacity, create green jobs, encourage private sector investment and support the development of policies that promote resource efficiency and environmental protection in Kano.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf to tackling environmental challenges through innovation, climate resilience and strategic partnerships with development agencies.

He urged participants drawn from government institutions, regulatory agencies, academia and the private sector to utilise the training to deepen their knowledge of circular economy principles and renewable energy waste management for sustainable development.

The EU-funded UNIDO project seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s policy and regulatory framework on circular economy, build the capacity of institutions and promote business models that encourage recycling and reuse of renewable energy equipment and plastics as part of efforts to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.