FG Sets Up Inter-Ministerial Panel to Enforce Single-Use Plastic Ban

The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to oversee the nationwide enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics.

The committee was launched in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented by Mohammed Danjuma, the permanent secretary in charge of the General Services Office.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by Segun Imohiosen, spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Akume said the ban followed approval of a memo presented by the Minister of Environment during the Federal Executive Council meeting on June 25, 2024.

The prohibited items include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and straws. The government explained that the ban is aimed at reducing plastic pollution and mitigating its harmful effects on public health, ecosystems, and marine life.

Akume highlighted the environmental and health risks posed by improper disposal of plastic products, noting that plastics take years to decompose and contain toxic chemicals. “Plastic waste is a major contributor to marine and land pollution, posing serious threats to wildlife and public health,” he said.

The inter-ministerial committee comprises representatives from key ministries, departments, agencies, and stakeholder organisations. Its mandate is to coordinate the implementation of policies and strategies to phase out single-use plastics nationwide.

“The committee’s responsibilities include examining issues related to single-use plastics, assessing the impact of the ban, and promoting best practices throughout the plastic value chain,” the statement added. “This initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

A report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group shows that Nigeria generates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with Lagos State contributing 870,000 tonnes. In 2024, Lagos State banned styrofoam and other single-use plastics, and the Federal Government also restricted the use of such plastics in government offices.

With the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, enforcement of the nationwide ban on single-use plastics is expected to be more comprehensive.