The Federal Executive Council (FEC) of Nigeria, led by President Bola Tinubu, has implemented a ban on single-use plastics in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to address environmental pollution. The announcement was made by Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, following a council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
This new regulation specifically targets common single-use plastic items such as PET bottles and sachet water packaging. The ban is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to more effectively manage plastic waste and tackle issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Minister Salako emphasized the unanimous decision of the council, highlighting that the initiative aligns with the 2022 National Policy on Plastic Waste Management. This policy outlines a comprehensive approach to addressing plastic pollution by refusing, reducing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling plastics.
According to Salako, the severity of plastic pollution in Nigeria cannot be overstated. He described how discarded plastics block drainage systems, worsen flooding, pollute oceans, and pose significant risks to human health and natural ecosystems. The government hopes that by leading the way, Nigerians will adopt more sustainable practices for plastic use and disposal.
Salako expressed enthusiastic support from all FEC members, including President Tinubu, who are committed to addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. With the enforcement framework now approved, the ban on single-use plastics will be implemented across all federal government bodies. This decision sets a precedent for environmental responsibility and is intended to inspire similar commitments throughout Nigerian society.
This policy is a significant stride forward for Nigeria as it strives to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste. It represents a major advancement in the country’s environmental policy, aligning with global efforts to decrease plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices across all sectors of society.
