FG pledges to phase out production, non- eco-friendly plastic use in Nigeria

The Supervising Minister of Environment, Darius Ishaku has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Government to ensuring healthy living for all Nigerians by phasing out care – free disposal of plastic wastes across the country.
 
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Taiye Haruna made the commitment at a workshop organized for its stakeholders  on the phasing out of  non- biodegradable plastics in Nigeria on the 17th of December, 2013 in the Symposium Hall of the Merit House in Maitama, Abuja.
 
Darius Ishaku said that the workshop could not have come at a more auspicious time in view of the transformation agenda of the present government towards ensuring environmental sustainability in line with the MDG goal 7. He lamented that the increasing use of plastic materials in all facets of lives of Nigerians with its attendant consequences has become a concern not only to government but to all Nigerians.
 
Ishaku expressed regret that plastic wastes are known to be a major cause of litter on the   environment, water, pollution, floods and general environmental degradation. Further, he averred that most of the drainage systems, canals and waterways are clogged by plastic wastes particularly plastic bags and discarded pure water sachets.
 
“The generation and disposal of plastic materials is now a global concern. According to USEPA in 2011, between 500 billion and 1 trillion shopping bags were used globally with USA alone generating about 32 million tons of plastic waste of which only 8% was received for recycling.
 
He continued that the picture is not different in most countries of the world, including Nigeria. Adding, several countries have adopted measures to reduce its production and use, ranging from imposition of taxes, fines, restriction to outright ban on shopping bags.
 
He assured that these steps have helped in no small measures in reducing the quantity and complexity of the plastic wastes generated; noting plastic waste account for more than 20% of the municipal solid waste stream in Nigeria.
 
According to him, the Nigerian Government has recognized that uncontrolled use and indiscriminate disposal of plastic materials present clear and imminent danger to the environment as well as citizens. He also lamented that the indiscriminate disposal of plastic materials has caused large – scale flooding of major Nigerian cities and villages in recent years, particularly in 2012.
 
“Several attempts have been made by the present government at all levels to reduce the burden of plastic wastes. One of such measures is the establishment of plastic recycling plants in 26 selected cities in Nigeria. The plants are to produce pellets from plastic wastes which are to be recycled by manufacturers,” he stressed.
 
While assuring that the project is an intervention programme to complement the efforts of local and state authorities in managing their municipal solid waste stream, he regretted that all these efforts at all levels are not adequate to cope with the increasing rate of generation and disposal of plastic materials in the environment.
 
Ishaku added that the implementation of the programme in the sector poses a big risk considering that it employs and contributes significantly to the economic and social well-being of thousands of Nigerians. ‘The phase – out programme, he noted will be implemented in a gradual, painless and sustainable manner, in order not to cause social and economic dislocation.”
 
In his welcome address at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Taiye Haruna who was represented by the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Olufunke Babade said that the workshop which serves as an awareness and sensitization forum is the first in a series of activities and events geared towards gradual and sustainable phasing out of plastic materials in the country.
 
Taiye Haruna further indicated that the workshop serves as an alert to Nigerians on the intention of government regarding the use of plastic materials in the country and intends to come up with action plans that would intensify the phase-out programme. Present at the workshop were the Representatives of UNIDO and the Canadian High Commissioner.