The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the ban of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs).
The policy marks a significant step toward environmental sustainability and waste management reform in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), emphasised that the ban on single-use plastics aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards.
He stated that the government is resolved to reduce the use of plastics, which pose serious threats to public health, ecosystems, and marine life.
The SGF, represented by Mohammed Danjuma, Permanent Secretary, Overseeing General Services Office (GSO), said the Federal Government reached the decision following a Federal Executive Council Memorandum EC (2024), presented by the Minister of Environment at its meeting held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
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 plastics 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, pose a serious threat to wildlife and public health due to the toxic chemicals’’, he said.
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The Committee, which comprises key representatives from various MDAs, 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 Committee is expected to investigate the issue of single-use plastics, evaluate the benefits and broader implications of the ban on use of SUPs, to design the ways and means in the promotion of the best environmental practices within the plastic value chain, amongst others.
According to him “The ban on single-use of plastics is an initiative that underscores Nigeria’s leadership in environmental stewardship and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
