The Federal Government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Ban of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs), marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability and waste management reform in the country.
In his inaugural speech, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the ban was an initiative that aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards and the resolve to reduce plastic pollution that posed serious threats to public health, ecosystems, and marine life.
READ ALSO: Lagos Enforces Single-Use Plastic Ban
‘‘The Federal Government arrived at this decision following a Federal Executive Council Memorandum EC (2024), presented by the Honourable Minister of Environment, which was held on Tuesday, 25 June 2024,” Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Overseeing General Services Office, Mohammed Danjuma, said.
“The FEC decision was in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle various health and environmental challenges, especially those caused by single-use plastic products, and therefore, approved the ban in the country of polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and straw, which has become an environmental sanitation challenge.
“The inappropriate disposal of plastic materials is a major cause of marine pollution as well as land degradation. Plastic wastes take a longer time to decompose both on land and water; therefore, they pose a serious threat to wildlife and public health due to the toxic chemicals,” he said.
Phase-Out Plan
The committee, which comprises key representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies, and stakeholder organisations, is charged with the mandate to coordinate and oversee the implementation of policies and strategies aimed at phasing out single-use plastics nationwide.
The terms of reference of the committee are to investigate the issue of single-use plastics, evaluate the benefits and broader implications of the ban on the use of SUPs, and design the ways and means to promote best environmental practices within the plastic value chain, among others.
“The ban on single-use plastics is an initiative that underscores Nigeria’s leadership in environmental stewardship and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, read.
Single-Use Plastics
Concerns over the use of single-use plastics inceasing due to their impact on the environment.
In July, the Lagos State Government commenced the enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics after it issued a six-month notice to all stakeholders.
It warned that any company that failed to adhere to the ban on single-use plastics would be prosecuted and sealed off.
It said that the ban was expected to move the state towards realisation of reduction of the quantum of waste generated in the state and at different landfill sites.
“There will be no going back from July 1, 2025, on the enforcement of the ban of single-use plastics (less than 40 microns) in Lagos state.
Source: Channels TV
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