The Minister of State for Environment, Adekunle Salako, has revealed that the federal government has imposed a ban on the use of single-use plastics in federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This directive was made following the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Salako emphasized that the ban is key to the government’s comprehensive plan to manage plastic waste, targeting the complex problems of climate change, biodiversity decline, and environmental contamination.
Salako expressed deep concern about the detrimental impact of Plastic Waste in the country, emphasizing the urgent need to conserve biodiversity, prevent environmental Pollution and enhance climate action. He highlighted the harmful effects of plastic waste, such as blocking drains, causing flooding, contaminating oceans, and jeopardizing human health and the environment. He noted that the federal government’s decision is consistent with the 2022 Plastic Waste Management national policy, which encourages responsible plastic use by implementing the concepts of refusal, reduction, reuse, repurpose, and recycling.
Experts believed that a nationwide ban is long overdue.
This federal government’s action signals the start of a nationwide ban scheduled to commence in the coming year, which would potentially causes controversy among the public in a country with a record of heavy reliance on plastics. By taking this step, the government is setting a precedent and preparing the populace for the upcoming transformation. Despite the negative impact on the environment due to the high emission of Greenhouse gasses from the production of single-use plastics and Packaging made from fossil fuels, the ban decision is facing criticism.
Among the materials that will be banned are cutlery, plastic, small water sachets, straws and bottles, which have been causing significant environmental problems. The country is developing a comprehensive plastic use policy with a step-by-step plan to reduce plastic waste. Producers will be required to transition to Eco-friendly alternatives within five years, while import regulations will be strictly enforced. Experts believe that despite implementation challenges, a nationwide ban is a necessary step that is long overdue. This decision at the national level comes right after the Lagos State government implemented a ban on Styrofoam and other disposables.
Gov’t is enhancing environmental protection in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, Lagos State implemented a ban as part of their environmental initiatives to combat the negative impact of the menace on the environment. This decision was made in light of the extensive amounts of plastic waste clogging up drainage systems and coastal areas within the state. The federal government’s decision to implement a nationwide ban is intended to mirror the policy and enhance Environmental Protection in Nigeria. Salako believes that the ban on MDAs sets an example for all Nigerians to understand the importance of environmental responsibility and proper plastic waste management.
Environment in Nigeria suffers greatly from the irresponsible disposal by residents, causing a significant impact in areas like Lagos and across Nigeria. Over 130,000 tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into the country’s Waterways annually. The manufacturers of these materials must also take responsibility for the pollution they cause, as they fail to implement measures to combat it. According to reports Nigeria generates approximately 2.5 million tons of plastic waste each year, most of which goes unrecycled.
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Nigeria has been identified as a major contributor to plastic pollution, with over 70 percent of waste improperly disposed of in the sea or landfills due to inadequate waste collection and Recycling facilities. According to a study by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Nigeria generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, ranking among the top plastic polluting countries globally. A recent research study conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also revealed that roughly 50-60 million discarded water sachets litter the streets of Lagos on a daily basis.