The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that concrete measures are in place to tackle the growing challenge of plastic pollution in the country. This comes amidst alarming projections that plastic waste in Africa could double to 165 million tonnes by 2030, with Nigeria among the nations most impacted.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on the Draft National Guidelines for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme for plastic packaging, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, represented by a Director in the ministry, Dr. Ahmadu Jibrin, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the menace. Salako noted that the Federal Government, through the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), is aligning with global initiatives like the Basel Convention to curb plastic pollution.
The new guidelines aim to provide a roadmap for the plastic packaging value chain, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. The guidelines will also support the establishment of a national Plastic Packaging Registry, which will help monitor and regulate plastic waste in line with circular economy principles.
Dr. Innocent Barikor, NESREA Director General, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the proliferation of plastic packaging has severely impacted ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. He underscored the importance of the EPR Programme in shifting waste management responsibilities to manufacturers, ensuring they manage the entire lifecycle of their products.
The guidelines, which include specific targets for collection and recycling, are expected to undergo final reviews with input from key stakeholders across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
