Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement a ban on single-use plastics. During the Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives Nigeria Members workshop on Civil Society Organisations Engagement with National and International Plastic Policy Processes held recently in Lagos, participants emphasized that the ban should take effect in 2024, rather than the proposed 2028 date outlined in the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management. They recommended that the initial ban focus on items such as styrofoam, microbeads, carrier bags, plastic spoons, straws, and disposable cups, which they argue have no economic value or recycling potential.
A statement from the Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives Nigeria highlighted the participants’ call for the government to urgently establish a National Plastic Treaty Steering Committee. This committee would provide guidance and oversee the implementation of plastic policies. The group also cautioned against adopting waste-to-energy technologies, such as municipal waste incinerators and chemical recycling facilities, labeling them as “false solutions.” They pointed out that unsustainable consumption of resources contributes to climate change, releases harmful substances that threaten public health, and diverts funds from more affordable, sustainable zero-waste solutions.
Additionally, the participants insisted that all national and state plastic policies should incorporate zero-waste principles, taking a comprehensive lifecycle approach to plastic management and addressing non-recyclable materials. They emphasized the importance of a nationwide campaign to educate policymakers about the toxicity of plastics within Nigeria’s plastic value chain. Furthermore, they urged the government to declare a state of emergency regarding plastic production and the transparency of its chemical constituents. The stakeholders called for collaborative efforts from the public, private, and civil sectors to work towards establishing a zero-waste economy.
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