Tag: single-use plastics

…move aligns with global standards, targets health, environmental risks – Akume

The federal government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to drive the implementation of the nationwide ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), signalling a major shift in Nigeria’s environmental management policy and its commitment to global sustainability standards.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, represented by the Permanent Secretary overseeing the General Services Office, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, performed the inauguration in Abuja.

According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, Akume said the decision reflects the government’s resolve to confront the rising health and environmental threats caused by indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic products.

Akume explained that the policy followed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval granted on June 25, 2024, based on a memorandum presented by the Minister of Environment.

The FEC endorsed the ban on polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and straws—items he described as major contributors to environmental sanitation challenges nationwide.

“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 in water, and therefore pose a serious threat to wildlife and public health due to toxic chemicals,” the SGF said.

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He added that the ban aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards and its obligations under international conventions aimed at combating pollution, preserving ecosystems, and protecting marine life.

The newly inaugurated committee comprises representatives of key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as stakeholder organisations.

It is tasked with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of policies and strategies to phase out single-use plastics across the country.

Its Terms of Reference include investigating issues associated with SUPs, evaluating the benefits and wider implications of the ban, and designing practical approaches to promote best environmental practices within the plastic value chain.

The administration said the measure underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in environmental stewardship and reinforces its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible consumption, life below water, and climate action.

The Lagos State Government has stepped up enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics (SUP), with inspection teams visiting several supermarkets across the state on Wednesday.

The State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the development in a video, via his X handle, on Wednesday, September 3.

According to Wahab, the move was part of broader efforts to tackle the environmental risks posed by SUP and reduce flooding across Lagos.

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The commissioner stated that the enforcement officers visited several supermarkets within the state, including: Blenco Supermarket in Lekki, Blend and Temple Hill Supermarkets in Ire-Akari, Jendol Supermarket in Jakande Estate, Ejigbo, as well as Lastprize and Reno Supermarkets on Liasu Road, Idimu.

The video revealed the enforcement officers seizing single-use plastics, cups, and products with attached single-use plastic straws.

The caption reads, “Our Enforcement Team today visited Blenco Supermarket in Lekki to enforce the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUP). This action is part of our wider efforts to ensure compliance with the State’s directive on phasing out SUP, which poses serious environmental risks and worsens flooding across Lagos.

“The team also visited Blend and Temple Hill Supermarkets in Ire-Akari, Jendol Supermarket in Jakande Estate, Ejigbo and Lastprize and Reno supermarkets situated on Liasu Road in Idimu.

“We will continue to monitor, enforce, and work with businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives that safeguard our environment.”

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has begun the enforcement of the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) below 40 microns across the state.

The Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

Wahab said any store found storing or selling the SUPs would be sealed, warning everyone to desist from such the act.

“There will be no going back from July 1 on the enforcement of the ban of single use plastics, which is less than 40 microns in Lagos State.

“LASG has put in place different enforcement strategies to effect this ban. However, these strategies will not be disclosed yet.

“Let me also emphasise that any market or store that is found storing or engaging in the sale and distribution of the SUPs less than 40 microns will be sealed up and items confiscated.

“The offenders will be punished according to the environmental laws of Lagos State,” he said.

The commissioner said there had been a lot of awareness on the ban by the ministry.

“When we announced the ban of styrofoam food containers in January 2024, we also informed everyone that starting from January 2025, certain categories of SUPs will be banned.

“By January 2025, after a series of meetings and representations with concerned stakeholders, the state gave another grace of six months, which expired today.

“Many, however, believed that the state government will succumb to pressure and blackmail laced with half truths to consider another shift in date. This will not happen,” he said.

He added that the decision on the ban was majorly because of the safety and well-being of Lagos residents, which would not be compromised.

“We do not intend to join issues with any group or association who are only selfishly interested in profiteering.

“It is a no-brainer that no jobs will be lost during this transition while more jobs will be created when the producers and distributors decide to embrace the safe options which will also ensure a sustainable environment.

“Lagos State has not banned the production of all the categories of plastics, however, producers and distributors of the banned items in the state have the option of selling them outside our state.

“For avoidance of doubt, here are items affected by the ban and the reasons for the ban: styrofoam packs: banned due to their harmful environmental impacts, plastic straws: prohibited to reduce plastic wastes and promote sustainability,” he said.

Others, according to him, are disposable plastic cups and cutlery and lightweight nylon bags, banned to minimise plastic pollution in the environment.

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“If after 18 months moratorium, the producers have not been able to embrace alternatives to SUPs, it only means they have no intention of complying.

“LASG, known to embrace best practices, will not shirk its responsibilities to its residents and has joined the list of countries and states that have banned these categories of plastics.

“Lagos as a coastal state realises the enormous dangers that styrofoam packs and SUPs of less than 40 microns cause on our drainage channels and ecosystem.

“This causes blockades, compelling government to channel funds that should be deployed for provision of other social services to clearing of debris from our drains,” he said.

He said the ban would move the state toward the realisation of reduction of the quantum of waste generated in the state and at different landfill sites.

(NAN)