The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to positioning itself as the leading hub of circular economy practices in Nigeria and the wider sub-Saharan African region. This pledge was reiterated during a recent high-level engagement in Abeokuta with delegates from the Netherlands’ Circular Business Platform, who were in the state on a Circular Economy Scoping Mission themed “Unlocking a Sustainable Future.”
Speaking during the meeting, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, emphasized that circular economy is not just a buzzword in the state but a critical developmental strategy that holds significant potential for job creation, environmental sustainability, and economic transformation. According to Dr. Oresanya, Ogun State has taken the lead in this area by formulating progressive policies and enacting enabling legislation that support circular practices across multiple sectors.
“Ogun State is not merely speaking the language of circularity; we are living it. Circular economy is a lifeline, a business model, and a sustainable future for millions. We remain firmly positioned as the headquarters of circular economy, not only in Nigeria but across sub-Saharan Africa,” Oresanya stated.
He noted that the state has adopted a holistic approach that integrates circular principles into all government projects and development plans, with deliberate focus on environmental protection, economic inclusivity, and social regeneration. According to him, the government has checked all necessary boxes concerning environmental concerns and is actively fostering a regenerative economic model.
In furtherance of these efforts, the commissioner disclosed plans to launch a new initiative tagged “Ignite Ogun”, which will provide intensive training for thousands of young people in the state on various aspects of circular economy. He explained that the programme is designed to equip the youth with practical skills and insights that will not only enhance their employability but also encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in waste-to-wealth ventures and sustainable production chains.
“This collaboration with our Dutch partners will deepen the roots of circular economy already thriving in Ogun. The interactions today have shown clearly that what we have here is a robust system with interdependent structures and actors,” he added.
Also speaking during the visit, Mr. Peter Keulers, who is the Deputy Consular General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria and the team lead of the Circular Business Platform, expressed optimism about the partnership. He described the mission as a gateway to knowledge exchange, capacity building, and technical cooperation that will benefit both parties.
Keulers highlighted that the partnership would focus on organizing training sessions, workshops, and exchange programmes that will broaden the expertise of stakeholders and facilitate the creation of new jobs in the circular economy sector. He praised Ogun State’s proactive stance and called it a model worth emulating.
The delegation later paid a courtesy visit to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, where former President Olusegun Obasanjo assured them of his support. Obasanjo lauded the state government’s commitment to sustainability and pledged to work with the platform to expand the scope and impact of circular economy initiatives in the state.
With this renewed collaboration, Ogun continues to solidify its position as a national and continental leader in the adoption of circular economy principles, driving a sustainable development agenda that aligns with global environmental goals while also providing economic opportunities for its citizens.
