FG to ban single-use plastics in govt offices

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, said on Tuesday that plans are in top gear by the Federal Government to ban single-use plastics in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Salako declared that the ban is already in operation in the Ministry of Environment.

He also said that the FG is equally planning to establish recycling plants in each of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria to promote a circular economy.

The minister disclosed this in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the Chemical Handlers and Users’ Workshop.

This is coming about two weeks after the Lagos State Government, through its Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the state.

Stryrofoam is used to manufacture disposable plates used in eateries.

The workshop was organised by the Ogun State Government and the State Environmental Protection Agency with the theme “Chemicals and Waste Management: Circular Solutions for a Sustainable Economy.”

Salako disclosed that a ban on single-use plastics in all departments, agencies, programmes, and projects of the Ministry of Environment has already been announced, and a memo will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council to implement this ban across all MDAs.

In his keynote address, Salako said the Federal Ministry of Environment, as part of its deliverables under the eight presidential priority areas, is expected to commence the full implementation of the circular economy roadmap for Nigeria this year.

He identified inadequate policy, a legal and regulatory framework, and insufficient funds dedicated to promoting the concept as part of several obstacles to the implementation of a circular economy in Nigeria.

Other things he noted were inadequate and unaffordable recycling technologies, a dearth of information on alternatives, a low level of public awareness, and inadequate data.

The minister said, “Despite these challenges, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is resolute in achieving a clean, circular, and buoyant economy for the nation.

“Therefore, my ministry, the Federal Ministry of Environment, as part of its deliverables under the eight presidential priority areas, is expected to commence the full implementation of the circular economy roadmap for the country in 2024.

“Consequently, the ministry is taking proactive measures to promote sound circular economy principles and practices in the country.

“These measures include strengthening relevant policies and institutional and regulatory frameworks to address identified gaps.

“Building the capacity of manufacturers and producers to embrace the principles of cleaner production and circular economy in their operations.

“Developing and implementing a waste-to-wealth entrepreneurship programme for the empowerment of the most vulnerable group in society.

“Putting in place a national plastic waste recycling programme aimed at establishing at least one plastic recycling plant in each of the 774 local government areas in the country.

“Putting in place a community-based waste management programme that encourages the involvement of local communities in modern waste management practices such as waste sorting, segregation, composting, and recycling.

“Raising consumer awareness around sustainable purchasing practices by increasing consumer demand for greener, safer, and healthier services and products.

“Recently, the ministry set up a “Circular Nigeria Committee” to come up with innovative, inclusive, locally acceptable, business-friendly, and scalable ways to implement the Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap.

“We have also announced a ban on single-use plastics in all departments, agencies, programmes, and projects of the Ministry.

“In the days ahead, we shall be presenting a memo to the Federal Executive Council, praying for the FEC to approve the banning of single-use plastics in all MDAs of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“These measures are a symbolic demonstration of our commitment to frontally tackle the plastic waste menace in our environment and a warning shot that waste generation and management in our country cannot remain business as usual.”

He said the workshop’s theme focused on a key element of sustainable development, at the core of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to revitalise our nation’s economy.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said that in Ogun State, which “is progressively shaped by industrialisation and increased waste generation, the responsible management of chemicals and waste has become paramount.”

Oresanya said that the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency will continue its effort to ensure that chemical wastes generated within and around the state are effectively managed to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all and to prevent improper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and wastes.

The ban on styrofoam in Lagos State has been met with lots of criticism and praise, as some have opined that the process was rather abrupt than gradual.

Another report from our correspondent indicated that local food vendors operating in different parts of Lagos State are in a quandary as the ban on ‘take-away’ containers and single-use plastic has left them with few alternatives.