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A bill which seeks to establish the Nigerian Recycling Regulatory Agency on Wednesday scaled through second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives. The private member bill sponsored by Hon. Fuad Laguda explained that the Agency, when established, will be conferred with powers to ensure proper licensing, registering, regulating, and supervising the business activities, affairs and businesses of recycling companies in Nigeria. While leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Hon. Laguda explained that the primary objective is to establish a regulatory agency. “Currently, Nigeria has no national agency regulating businesses, practices, and operations of recycling companies, even though they contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation and a sustainable environment in Nigeria. “This regulatory agency will enhance the expansion and operations of recycling businesses in Nigeria. It will design rules or develop standards to improve the business efficiency of key players. “This Bill seeks to establish an Agency that will formulate and execute policies and codes of practice to support and protect recycling companies. “The Agency will improve capabilities, safety, and business performance of key players by issuing business permits or licences to ensure compliance, fair practices, and ethical standards in the industry. “This Bill will empower this Agency to allow operators or investors to comply with rules and regulations for the recycling of wastes. “It will support the Federal Government’s efforts to execute Goal 11 of the United Nations’ SDGs to achieve ‘Cleaner and Safer Cities’ before 2030. This means this Agency will contribute to a cleaner environment, a sustainable society and a green economy. “Establishing this Agency will ensure the recycling companies operate with accountability, transparency, and fairness. It will provide adequate monitoring and evaluation of activities of recycling companies to determine the needs for policy reforms,” he noted. After the debate, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Environment for further legislative action. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
