The Federal Government has officially inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the ban of single-use plastics (SUPs), a major move to promote environmental sustainability and reform waste management across Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, said the decision to ban single-use plastics aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental standards. He noted that plastic pollution poses serious threats to public health, ecosystems, and marine life.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the ban after a presentation by the Minister of Environment on June 25, 2024. The ban covers items such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and plastic straws. The decision aims to curb widespread environmental challenges caused by poor plastic disposal, which contributes to marine pollution and land degradation.
The newly inaugurated committee includes representatives from key Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and environmental stakeholders. Its mandate is to coordinate and oversee the implementation of policies and strategies to phase out single-use plastics nationwide.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the committee’s Terms of Reference include investigating issues around single-use plastics, assessing the benefits and impacts of the ban, and promoting best environmental practices across the plastic value chain.
The Federal Government says the initiative reflects Nigeria’s leadership in environmental protection and its renewed commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to responsible consumption, production, and climate action.
