FG develops plan on phase-out of biodegradable plastics

Acting Minister of Environment, Arc. Dairus Dickson Ishaku said at a stakeholders workshop in Abuja that the increasing use of plastic materials with its attendant consequences has been a concern not only to government at all levels but to all Nigerians.“Plastic wastes have been known to be a major cause of litter in the Nigerian […]

Acting Minister of Environment, Arc. Dairus Dickson Ishaku said at a stakeholders workshop in Abuja that the increasing use of plastic materials with its attendant consequences has been a concern not only to government at all levels but to all Nigerians.
“Plastic wastes have been known to be a major cause of litter in the Nigerian environment, water, pollution, floods and general environmental degradation. Most our drainage systems, canals and waterways are all clogged by plastic wastes particularly plastic bags and discarded pure water sachets,” he said.
He noted that between 500 billion and one trillion shopping bags were used annually, adding that only 8 per cent of that is being recycled.
“Here in Nigeria, plastic waste account for more than 20 per cent of the municipal solid waste stream. The federal government recognises that uncontrolled use of plastic materials and indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste, particularly shopping bags and pure water sachets present a clear and imminent danger to the Nigerian environment and its citizens,” he added.
He cited the 2012 unprecedented flood as one of the consequences of the indiscriminate disposal of plastic materials.
He said that part of strategy adopted by government to address the development was the establishment of plastic recycling plants in 26 selected cities in Nigeria.
“The plants are to produce pellets from plastic wastes including pure water sachets which are to be used by plastic manufacturers for further manufacturing,” he noted.
 Also speaking, Mr Taiye Haruna, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary said the stakeholders meeting was intended to serve as an awareness and sensitisation forum to educate stakeholders as well as get their input on the action plan.
Haruna said the nation’s municipal waste composition has witnessed drastic changes over the years. He said: “The changes are attributed mostly to rapid population growth, increased urbanisation, changing life styles, social and economic status.”
“The federal Ministry of Environment is conscious of the fact that the responsibilities of municipal solid waste of which plastic waste form a significant percentage, is the direct responsibility of the local government authorities. However, a cursory look at our environment would indicate that this tier of government has been overwhelmed by the magnitudes of the problem as they lack the financial resources, technical expertise and political will to deal with the challenges decisively.”
The action plan is being develop in collaboration with UNIDO.