The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has described the newly unveiled Plateau State Solid Waste Management Framework as a major step towards building a cleaner, healthier and economically productive environment.
The Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Nathaniel Dapiya, stated this following the official unveiling of the Framework on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The Framework, developed by the Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, followed extensive technical work and stakeholder consultations led by Tearfund in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Dapiya said the Framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for moving Plateau State from a predominantly linear waste management system towards an integrated and circular approach that prioritises waste reduction, resource recovery, recycling, private sector participation, community ownership and environmental responsibility.
He noted that the participatory process involved government institutions, private sector operators, civil society organisations, informal waste pickers and community representatives, ensuring that the proposed system reflects the realities of communities while creating opportunities for innovation, investment, employment and sustainable service delivery.
According to him, the Framework is built around five major shifts: moving from a linear to a circular economy; recognising waste management as a viable business rather than solely a social responsibility; treating waste as a valuable resource; transforming communities from spectators into active participants; and replacing fragmented interventions with stronger public-private partnerships.
The proposed model introduces a hybrid waste collection system comprising zonal and door-to-door collection services, community recovery centres, formal integration of informal waste pickers and waste transfer stations.
It also provides for source segregation, allowing households, businesses and institutions to separate recyclable, biodegradable and residual waste before collection.
Dapiya further highlighted the role of technology in the Framework, particularly the proposed Digital Waste Management System and the PEPSA Mobile App, which he said would strengthen coordination, monitoring, service delivery and citizen feedback.
He said the digital component would help create a more responsive, efficient and accountable waste management system across the state.
The PEPSA DG stressed that the economic potential of waste must be placed at the centre of Plateau’s waste management strategy.
“Waste should no longer be viewed merely as something to be collected and disposed of,” he said, noting that properly managed waste could provide raw materials, support enterprise development, create employment and generate income.
He added that the Framework offers a pathway for developing a stronger waste value chain while attracting private sector investment into the sector.
Beyond economic benefits, Dapiya said the Framework would contribute to environmental protection and public health by reducing indiscriminate waste disposal, improving collection and recovery systems and reducing the volume of waste ultimately sent to disposal sites.
He also noted that it would create opportunities for green jobs, resource efficiency, innovation and sustainable economic development.
“For PEPSA, this Framework represents more than a policy document. It is a call to action,” Dapiya stated.
He called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, private sector operators, communities, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens to ensure successful implementation.
Dapiya urged households, businesses, institutions and communities across Plateau to embrace waste reduction, segregation, recovery, recycling and resource utilisation.
He appreciated the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang; the Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom; the Plateau State Government; Tearfund and its Country Director, Mrs. Regina Afiemo; FIBRA; development partners; private sector stakeholders; communities; and other individuals and organisations involved in developing the Framework.
He reaffirmed PEPSA’s commitment to providing the institutional leadership, coordination, enforcement, public awareness and stakeholder engagement required to translate the Framework from policy into measurable action.
Dapiya said Plateau State has an opportunity to transform waste from an environmental burden into an economic resource while building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for its citizens.
