Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment has initiated an intensive movement to confront the issue of single-use plastics. This bold initiative seeks to cultivate a culture of waste reduction and empower its employees to take personal action to combat climate change in their surroundings. The ministry made the decision following a productive two-day Top Management Retreat that took place in Kaduna. The Ministry used the retreat, which revolved around the theme ‘‘Policy Embedment and Prioritisation of Key Action for Renewed Hope in Environmental Management’, as an opportunity to reaffirm its dedication towards realizing the environmental vision of President Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu has outlined a comprehensive environmental roadmap that entails 18 objectives and 48 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The Ministry’s unwavering support for these targets highlights its unwavering commitment to nurturing a sustainable environment. Yet, attaining this ambitious vision necessitates a strong foundation of cooperation and dedication. Effective collaboration and resource acquisition are imperative for all departments and agencies within the Ministry. Additionally, enhancing communication channels and conflict resolution strategies becomes crucial to ensure smooth functioning and progress. The Ministry’s approach encompasses fostering collaboration among stakeholders and enhancing capacity development as crucial components of its strategy.
Emphasis is placed on Extended Producer Responsibility.
In its pursuit of waste reduction, the Ministry has placed great emphasis on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme and a committee known as the ‘Circular Nigeria committee’ was formed during the retreat. This committee’s primary responsibility is to put into action the Circular Economy road map by prioritizing mentorship, knowledge sharing, and planning for the future. These calculated actions are anticipated to cultivate a nationwide awareness of the environment and encourage sustainable approaches. The Ministry is firmly directed towards the future, as they intend to release the 3rd Sovereign Green Bond in 2024.
The Ministry’s dedication to environmental sustainability and prudent fiscal management is demonstrated through this program. Also, the Ministry is actively engaged in developing a forward-looking Strategic Roadmap for the period of 2024-2027, articulating its objectives and tactics for the upcoming three years. The conclusion of the retreat was marked by an encouraging gesture as department heads affixed their signatures on performance bonds, solidifying the Ministry’s determination to fulfill its mandates. This action underscores the Ministry’s pledge to uphold transparency and achieve exceptional results.
Implication of the plastic waste spans worldwide.
Single-use plastics refer to items made of plastic that are designed for one-time or minimal use and are subsequently discarded. The implication of this plastic waste spans worldwide, wreaking havoc on both our environment and well-being with potent intensity. Disposable plastic items have a higher propensity to find their way into our oceans compared to their reusable counterparts. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an extraordinary upswing of single-use plastics being manufactured due to consumers’ insistence on safeguarding their food and other merchandise from the virus using plastic.
Furthermore, the crisis we face is largely fueled by the presence of medical waste, encompassing disposable masks, fast food items like plastic cutlery, and single-use plastic straws or bags. While single-use plastic products offer convenience, their production, distribution, and litter inflict substantial harm on both the environment and human well-being. There are various factors contributing to the need for the gradual elimination of single use plastics (SUPs), such as the uncontrolled incineration of plastic waste, the consumption of seafood contaminated by plastic, and the generation of detrimental microplastics.
Related Article: Nigeria tightens its plastic waste management
According to a recent report titled From Pollution to Solution by UNEP, the amount of plastic waste floating in the ocean ranges from 75 to 199 million tons. Alarming predictions suggest that by the year 2040, the annual figure is expected to skyrocket and reach an astonishing 23 to 37 million tons, almost tripling the current amount. The vast majority of marine waste is constituted by plastics, which are long-lasting forms of litter found in the oceans. Nonetheless, specialists maintain that disposing of single-use plastic products and replacing them with alternatives made from different materials should not be considered the ultimate remedy.
Related Link
Wikipedia: Website
