The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking steps toward tackling the nation’s Plastic Waste crisis, with a long-term vision of eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040. This objective results from the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), formalised on May 18, 2023, with the establishment of the Nigeria National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP). The joint initiatives between the Ministry of Environment, under the leadership of Minister Balarabe Lawal, and GPAP have resulted in an extensive report named “Towards A System Change in Plastic Pollution—A Roadmap for the Sustainable Use of Plastics in Nigeria.”
Furthermore, this roadmap, scheduled for its official unveiling in Abuja on October 17, 2024, outlines specific strategies for tackling waste Pollution by emphasising reduction, reuse, and regeneration. It also aims to establish the country as a contributor to the worldwide battle against plastic waste. Key participants in the nation’s waste value chain have played a vital role in formulating this strategy. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and the World Bank are among these.
Waste will be repurposed to boost economic growth and create new jobs.
These stakeholders have partnered with private and Public Sector entities to create a roadmap to address the health and environmental challenges while promoting economic and social advancements. The strategy highlights the crucial role of involving stakeholders in creating a foundational assessment of the waste movement within the nation. GPAP’s National Analysis and Modelling tool was key in examining the region’s existing plastic usage trends and waste management. Collaborative workshops with essential participants facilitated scenario modelling, providing insights into how different approaches might affect the economy, environment, and social systems.
Using these insights, the plan presents actionable measures to reshape Nigeria’s waste environment and promote sustainable practices. A notable aspect of the roadmap is its connection to national socio-economic objectives. In addition to tackling plastic waste, the initiative aims for a circular Economy that reintroduces waste into the system, promoting economic development, generating jobs, and enhancing environmental sustainability. The report emphasises the need for focused policy changes to establish clear business rules, giving Investors the confidence to participate in the expanding green economy.
Various organisations partnerships show the government’s commitment.
Partnering with KPMG West Africa for implementation, the strategy outlines a direct route to attaining these objectives, merging Economic Growth with ecological sustainability. Minister Balarabe Lawal, who also chairs the Nigeria NPAP, will preside over the launch event, bringing together influential voices from both the public and private sectors. The participation of organisations such as NESREA, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and financial institutions like the World Bank underscores the comprehensive approach the government is taking to address the sector.
It further demonstrates the government’s dedication to an approach encompassing various sectors, ensuring that all components of the economy play a role in this vital transformation. The strategy aims to tackle composite waste and drive change within the Waste Management sector. It recognises the essential role of composites in modern society while advocating for a more sustainable utilisation method. Emphasising recycling, minimising consumption, and restoring resources, the initiative intends to establish a circular economy that allows waste to support Economic Development without damaging the environment.
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Essentially, the blueprint invites all parties involved, from governmental bodies to private enterprises, to unite efforts to pursue this shared goal. In its efforts to address environmental waste, Nigeria is establishing a comprehensive plan that aligns ecological objectives with economic growth. This blueprint details the actions needed to phase out composites and promote a sustainable sector that enhances the economy and creates employment opportunities. Also, it underscores the necessity of well-defined regulations and policy formation to instil confidence in investors and steer the business community toward ethical practices.