The Plateau State Government has launched the Plateau State Solid Waste Management Framework 2026, a strategic initiative aimed at tackling indiscriminate waste disposal, improving environmental sanitation and creating economic opportunities from waste.
The framework was unveiled on Tuesday by the State Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development at an event attended by representatives of government, the 17 Local Government Areas, traditional and religious institutions, communities, development partners, private sector organisations, waste pickers, civil society groups and the media.
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, said the initiative would contribute to cleaner cities, improved public health and a stronger tourism sector.
Jatau said effective waste management would also support Plateau’s emerging Orange Economy by creating opportunities in recycling, environmental management, urban beautification and tourism.
He described waste management as a shared responsibility, urging residents to take ownership of their surroundings and make sanitation a priority at household and community levels.
According to him, the framework would help address problems such as waste blocking drainages and littering, particularly during the rainy season, while promoting greater compliance with sanitation practices.
The Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Peter Kanang Gwom, said the framework was developed from efforts that began in 2024 to provide a comprehensive response to Plateau’s waste management challenges.
He explained that it would shift the state from conventional waste disposal practices towards integrated waste management, recycling, resource recovery, public-private partnerships and sustainable livelihoods.
A major component of the framework is the formalisation of waste pickers and the promotion of the recycling industry as a means of creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, attracting investment and turning waste into valuable resources.
Country Representative of Tearfund Nigeria, Regina Afiemo, described the framework as both a technical and civic commitment to environmental protection and sustainable economic development. She called for strong political commitment, institutional support and adequate funding to ensure effective implementation.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Plateau State Government and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA).
The partnership is expected to strengthen collaboration across the waste management and recycling value chain while encouraging private sector investment, innovation and resource recovery.
The state government said the launch marks the beginning of a new phase focused on implementation, partnerships, investment and measurable action towards building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Plateau State.
