The Federal Government has banned the use of single-use plastics across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).The House of Representatives had earlier in February this year called on the Federal Government to ban the production, importation, distribution, and use of styrofoam and single-use plastics throughout Nigeria.
It also urged the Federal Government to implement a phased approach to the ban by providing sufficient time for businesses and industries to transition to alternative eco-friendly materials and practices.
Consequently, the lawmakers called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other relevant agencies to monitor the quality of the packaging of foods and beverages, particularly in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), ensuring global best practices are followed and all appropriate regulations guiding the whole process are adhered to.
Examples of such items are plastic bread bag tags, plastic bottles, styrofoam takeaway containers, straws, cups, among others.
Addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC), yesterday, Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the single-use plastic ban aligns with government’s broader plastic waste management strategy.
Salako said the Council, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, unanimously approved the ban, which is in line with the 2022 National Policy on Plastic Waste Management. The Minister, who also decried the menace of plastic pollution in Nigeria, described it as “a major issue in our country.”
He said plastic waste often clogs drains and contributes to flooding, while also polluting the oceans and affecting human health and the environment. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to addressing the triple threat of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution”.
He also said the MDAs ban is a preparation towards tackling the menace of plastics across the country. Already states like Lagos, Oyo and Anambra have also banned the use of Styrofoam in their states.
He explained that the ban is part of the administration’s efforts to promote responsible plastic waste management by refusing, reducing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling.
