The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Tuesday approved the ban of single-use plastics in the offices of all MDAs.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, while answering questions from journalists at the State House of Assembly after a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Single-use plastic products include plastic bottles and water bags.
The minister said the ban was in line with the broader strategy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on plastic waste management and demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the triple threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.
He said the council, which includes President Tinubu, unanimously approved the ban, which is in line with the National Plastic Waste Management Policy 2022. Salako highlighted the seriousness of plastic pollution in Nigeria, describing it as “a major problem in our country”.
He observed that plastic waste often clogs drains and causes flooding. It also pollutes oceans, affecting human health and the environment.He explained that the ban is part of government efforts to promote responsible management of plastic waste through disposal, reduction, reuse, re-use and recycling.
Salako said the ban will set a pioneering example for Nigerians to act environmentally conscious and use plastic waste judiciously. Plastic is one of the biggest challenges we face in cleaning our drains, and when we talk about the issue of flooding, you see that plastic waste has been severely criminalised. You will also see that plastic pollution in the oceans is a big problem, a big issue for human health and the environment.
He said: “The Federal Ministry of Environment has proposed to ban the use of carry-on plastics, also known as single-use plastics, in all ministries and departments of the Federal Government and the Federal Executive” The Council agreed. This is in line with the 2022 National Policy on Gas and Waste Management.”
“I must say that the discussions at the EXCO went very smoothly because all the EXCO members, including the President, were very enthusiastic about the ban. This ban is also in line with the President’s commitment to ensure that Nigeria plays its part in directly addressing the triple crisis of climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss.”
“To ensure proper and accurate application of all the five principles of sustainability on waste, reduce, reuse, recycle and recycle, the Council approved the introduction of a framework to regulate the use of single-use plastics in all ministries and agencies, which will be discouraged by government ministries and agencies.”
“Of course, this is to set an example for Nigerians so that they understand that we need to act in an environmentally friendly manner and use plastic waste very responsibly.”
