ABUJA – An environmentalist, Dr Nasiru Idris, has advised the President-elect, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to focus on the three “Rs’’ of waste to ensure environmental cleanliness.
The three Rs is an acronym for Reduce, Reuse and Recycling in the environmental sector.
Idris, a Director at the Centre for Environment Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said this in a statement issued on Friday to newsmen in Abuja.
The director said focusing on the three Rs would also enhance green growth and economy.
“Focusing on the three Rs of Waste Management through establishment of Recycling Plants; sanitary landfills in major towns and cities as well as provision of incinerators in most institutions.
“Emphasising on green and ‘liveable’ cities as against the slums and shanty towns
“Reducing gas flaring oil pollution and land degradation in the country,’’ he said.
Idris said that beyond the celebrations and excitement, Nigerians were expecting real positive change in all sectors of the economy from the incoming administration.
He said that a comprehensive stock-taking and understanding of the issues and challenges in the various sectors of the economy was important for the new administration to reposition the country.
“This will require consultative meetings with various stakeholders’ public and private sectors, unions and associations for stock-taking and for understanding what the real issues are.
“A Think -Tank of Resource Persons (academicians and non-partisan members of the public) is needed to provide feedback to Mr President from time to time on happenings in the country.
“There is need for reconciliatory meetings with all political parties that participated in the 2015 elections.
“The President-elect should give them an assurance that he has forgiven all of them and will work together with them toward nation-building,’’ he said.
In addition, the director said that the in-coming president should work towards changing the Aviation Sector.
“There is need for a National Carrier to help in National and International flights.
“For instance, Nigerians travelling to N’djamena sometimes have to go to Ethiopia before connecting to N’djamena.
“Those travelling to Peru have to go to Abu Dhabi (15 hours off the course) before connecting to Peru. A national carrier will connect straight from Nigeria to these countries.’’
He further said that changing the agricultural sector would help to boost production and address wastage.
According to him, establishment of cottage or small and medium-scale industries for value addition to our cocoa, rubber, groundnut and numerous fruits will address wastage of perishable crops.
Idris also advised Buhari to build on the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that government was a continuum.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
“Change does not necessarily mean a disruption of or jettisoning of what is already working well.
“It may be useful to identify what is currently working well and strengthen such structures or institutions,’’ he said.
The director, therefore, congratulated Buhari for his victory at the just concluded general elections in Nigeria.
“We pray for wisdom for the President-elect as he strategises towards a positive change and repositioning of Nigeria.
“We also pray for peace, progress, growth and development in our dear fatherland,’’ he said. (NAN)
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