On October 26, 2024, we hosted an insightful webinar titled “Nigerian Water Producers and the Code of Ethics for Waste Management.” The event brought together 289 participants, including water producers, environmental advocates, and industry stakeholders, to discuss ethical waste management practices in Nigeria’s water production sector.
The session featured Engr. Lumanze Bismarck, President of the Association of Table Water Producers, Imo State, who provided valuable insights into the environmental responsibilities of water producers and how ethical practices can promote sustainability.
Key Highlights from the Webinar
1. Ethical Responsibilities in Waste Management
Engr. Lumanze Bismarck opened the discussion by emphasizing that waste management is not just a legal requirement but an ethical obligation for water producers. He outlined the core principles guiding ethical waste management:
- Environmental Stewardship: Water producers must adopt eco-friendly production and disposal practices.
- Accountability: Companies should take responsibility for the waste generated throughout their production cycle.
- Transparency: Proper labeling, accurate reporting, and openness about environmental impacts are essential.
- Community Safety: Ensuring that waste disposal methods do not harm nearby communities or ecosystems.
He stressed that adhering to these principles not only protects the environment but also enhances brand reputation and builds consumer trust.
2. Current Waste Management Challenges
The session also explored common waste management challenges faced by water producers, including:
- Plastic pollution from discarded sachets and bottles
- Inadequate recycling infrastructure in many parts of Nigeria
- High costs of eco-friendly materials and waste disposal
- Limited awareness about proper waste management practices
Engr. Bismarck highlighted that while these challenges are significant, they can be overcome through industry collaboration, innovation, and adherence to ethical standards.
3. Best Practices for Ethical Waste Management
To promote ethical waste management in the water production industry, Engr. Bismarck recommended the following practices:
✅ Adopt the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle plastic waste at all production stages.
✅ Eco-Friendly Packaging: Switch to biodegradable materials and recyclable plastics where possible.
✅ Proper Disposal: Ensure waste is collected, sorted, and processed responsibly, avoiding dumping in water bodies or landfills.
✅ Partner with Recycling Firms: Collaborate with waste management companies to facilitate recycling efforts.
✅ Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate consumers on responsible waste disposal through labeling and community outreach.
He also urged water producers to join industry associations, such as the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP), to access training and resources for ethical waste management.
Interactive Session: Insights from Participants
The Q&A session allowed participants to share their experiences and raise critical questions. Engr. Bismarck emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, noting that industry collaboration, government incentives, and consumer education are key to overcoming challenges.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Water Producers and the Code of Ethics for Waste Management webinar underscored the urgent need for ethical waste practices in the water production industry. As Nigeria faces increasing environmental challenges, responsible waste management is no longer optional—it’s essential for protecting ecosystems, communities, and future generations.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Engr. Lumanze Bismarck, our 289 participants, and the organizing team for making this webinar a success. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Nigeria!