By Faridat Salifu
Stakeholders in environmental conservation have implored the federal government to backdate its proposed imposition of the ban on single-use plastics from 2028 to 2025.
They spoke during a two-day media workshop held in Lagos over the weekend , focused on understanding the United Nations Plastic Treaty process in Nigeria.
Organised by the Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), and supported by the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), the event gathered over 20 journalists, environmental advocates, and experts to address the growing threat of plastic pollution.
The workshop participants pressed for the immediate implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, approved by the federal executive council, alongside the establishment of strict regulations to curb plastic waste.
They argued that initial bans should target single-use plastics like styrofoam, microbeads, and carrier bags, citing their lack of economic and recycling potential.
These materials, they noted, contribute significantly to environmental degradation without offering any sustainable value.
“The government must act urgently to align with global efforts in tackling plastic pollution by moving the deadline to 2025,” the communique released after the workshop stated.
The forum also highlighted the importance of inclusive collaboration to combat plastic pollution.
Recommendations included engaging community, religious, and political leaders, as well as leveraging traditional communication methods like town criers in rural areas to raise awareness.
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“There is a need for civil society to address gaps in the current National Policy on Plastic Waste Management before its final adoption,” said a representative from the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), a co-organiser of the event.
The workshop further proposed the development of standard operating procedures for the plastic recycling sector and disaggregated data collection to monitor plastic production, use, and importation in the country.
Victor Fabunmi, Senior Programme Officer at SRADev Nigeria, emphasised the need for sustainable alternatives to plastics, including reusable materials like rubber. He advocated for the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programmes to hold manufacturers accountable for managing plastic waste throughout its lifecycle.
“Tax incentives and subsidies for industries adopting eco-friendly alternatives could accelerate the transition away from single-use plastics,” Fabunmi suggested.
The workshop underscored the role of journalists in amplifying awareness about plastic pollution and promoting accountability.
Anthony Akpan, Executive Director of PAVE, encouraged journalists to report from affected areas, humanise stories, and highlight the interconnectedness of environmental and public health issues.
“The media must simplify data and statistics for the public while providing solutions-based reporting,” Akpan said.
Global Context and Local Impact
Stakeholders expressed concern over Africa’s increasing burden as a dumping ground for plastic waste from the Global North.
The forum noted the health implications of plastic pollution, including cancer, reproductive dysfunction, and respiratory diseases, among others.
As part of the workshop’s outcomes, the Africa Zero Waste Journalist Network (Nigeria Chapter) was launched to sustain advocacy on plastic pollution, zero waste, and climate change.
