Policy Critique of the Nigerian Circular Economy Roadmap

The Nigerian Circular Economy Roadmap (NCERM) sets out a comprehensive plan to transform Nigeria from a linear to a circular economy by 2050. It targets key sectors such as agriculture, waste management, energy, construction, water, mining, and industrial processing, outlining specific actions for each to enhance sustainability and economic growth. The document emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors and calls for engagement from stakeholders to ensure a successful transition. Additionally, the roadmap proposes significant reforms in legal and regulatory frameworks to support circular economy practices, including new legislation and amendments to existing laws.

Despite its ambitious design, the Roadmap may encounter several obstacles that could hinder its effective implementation.

FEEDBACK FROM THE DOCUMENT

1. To start with, the roadmap is thorough and well-constructed, but it needs simplicity - the Rwandan Roadmap is an example of that. The current roadmap struggles to show simplicity, expectations for immediate clear results or outcomes, which are essential for keeping stakeholders motivated and engaged, and also important for securing ongoing political backing considering the short-term nature of political officeholders in a democracy. While the long-term objectives are clearly outlined, it lacks emphasis on short-term achievements that are necessary to build momentum and affirm the strategy's effectiveness to all parties involved. In addition, the year-gap between short-term, mid-term seems overlapping and unrealistic.
2. The Roadmap emphasizes developing local technologies and innovations in waste management and agriculture but overlooks the role of the Ministry of Innovation, Communication, and Digital Economy, missing a crucial innovation and digital economy perspective. Additionally, Information or Communication Technology is not identified as a key sector, which could limit technological advancements in the roadmap's execution or circular innovation in ICT waste.
3. While the implementation framework is comprehensive, it lacks specific mechanisms for accountability and effective progress measurement in the sectors identified. For example, the roadmap mentions recycling in the textile sector but lacks clear, actionable strategies or specific policy measures to promote circular fashion, necessitating more detailed planning and clear, measurable indicators of success for better transparency and public trust.
4. Although there is an emphasis on capacity development, there is a lack of acknowledgement and focus on strategies for behavioral change, which are vital for the success of circular economy initiatives. It is essential to develop effective communication strategies that engage and resonate with everyone, from policymakers to the general public, to build a culture supportive of circular practices. 'Culture eats strategy for breakfast'.
5. The roadmap recognizes the important role of the private sector in achieving a circular economy but does not emphasize the need for strong incentives to boost corporate involvement. Tax breaks, subsidies, or other financial benefits could be key in motivating companies to invest in circular technologies and practices.
6. On a final tune, the success of the Nigerian Circular Economy Roadmap heavily relies on continued political support and financial investment. Challenges such as political instability and economic fluctuations could hinder its progress. To mitigate these risks, the roadmap might benefit from more independent governance structures or securing commitments from the Presidency, the National Assembly, and the political structure beyond the commitment of appointees, whose tenure are much fluid. Integrating circular economy principles into existing laws and institutional practices requires strong Presidential support, akin to other major national initiatives, for example the CNG Project, the Digital Identity, or the Fiscal Amendment initiative. The effectiveness of the roadmap also depends on the overall economic climate, including the ease of doing business and stable regulatory environments.

FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

1. To enhance the effectiveness of the Nigerian Circular Economy Roadmap, it is crucial to prioritize and highlight immediate actions that can have a visible impact within a short timeframe. This approach will help build confidence and support for the roadmap, securing continued stakeholder engagement and funding. Drawing inspiration from the Rwandan Circular Roadmap, it is important to clearly define what constitutes short-term and long-term actions, along with a detailed and clear budget and identified funding sources for each policy goal, priority. This is also addressed in point 2 below on a different level.
2. Fund is fundamental to fund any mental thing. For each sector identified in the roadmap, there is a need for more detailed plans and robust financing strategies. Developing a comprehensive financing strategy that identifies funding sources and creates innovative financial instruments will be crucial. In addition to engaging international financial institutions, expanding financial instruments and incentives by developing financial products and funding mechanisms that specifically support businesses and innovations within the circular economy needs to be identified. This could include providing grants, low-interest loans, and incentives for companies that adopt circular practices.
3. It is important to establish independent governance structures. These should be insulated from political changes and equipped with the authority and resources necessary to oversee the roadmap's implementation. Including representatives from the government, private sector, academia, and civil society will ensure a balanced and inclusive approach with Presidential backings, if possible.
4. Additionally, creating a Circular Economy Business Environment Office could significantly streamline circular economy initiatives, enhance the ease of doing business, and foster regional partnerships. This office may also act as a central coordination point for efforts between Nigerian states and neighboring countries, promoting more unified and effective regional development.
5. There may be a need to broaden education and training programs by integrating circular economy principles more extensively into educational curricula at all levels, from primary to tertiary education. This approach aims to go beyond building skilled workforce that can support the transition to a circular economy, but also developing a circular economy culture long term.
6. It may also be important to integrate States into the picture through the Nigeria Governors' Forum [if not directly] to strengthen governance and institutional frameworks by improving the integration of circular economy policies across state-lines or adoption of the document across state lines, as well as spur different government departments and agencies to take steps both at a federal and state levels. Policy formulation has shown that States are taking increased lead in waste management policy-solutions, for example, the recent ban on Styrofoam in Lagos, has spread to other parts of the country, such as Oyo, Abia, and plausibly other States in the coming months.

The success of the Nigerian Circular Economy Roadmap is closely tied to the country's overall economic stability and business environment. Crucial factors include the ease of doing business, the availability of infrastructure, and the potential for international partnerships. For instance, the roadmap could utilize the abundant waste resources in Lagos and explore partnerships with countries like Ghana, where businesses are adept at transforming waste. While the roadmap has established a monitoring and evaluation framework, it would benefit from a more dynamic approach that continuously assesses progress and adapts strategies based on real-time data and feedback. Additionally, the roadmap, if well implemented, can spur similar initiatives in the region.