BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government in collaboration with stakeholders in the environment sector have taken bold steps to end plastic pollution across the country.
News Rider reports that the task would be achieved through the successful implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme for plastic packaging and plastic waste.
This formed the crux of discuss at the conclusion of National Guidelines for the Implementation of EPR programme for plastic packaging on Wednesday in Abuja, organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Nigeria is estimated to generate about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, even as Lagos State accounts for 15 percent of the total waste generated through plastics.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako stated that the sector-specific national guidelines were part of the measures established by the Federal Government to tackle plastic pollution.
He assured that the national guidelines would serve as a roadmap for all stakeholders in the plastic packaging value chain towards the effective implementation of the EPR programme.
The minister pointed out that the document would address the establishment of Plastic Packaging Registry (PPR) that aligns with circular economy principles, meant to eliminate plastic pollution and reduce Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) from the environment.
Represented by the Assistant Director of Solid Waste Management in the ministry, Dr. Ahmadu Jibrin, he noted that the document has been reviewed by stakeholders in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
He was optimistic that the guidelines will become a robust instrument for the management of plastic packaging, plastic waste and plastic pollution across their life cycle.
The Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor hinted that the proliferation of plastic packaging such as PET bottles, propylene or high density poly ethylene/polystyrene; flexible mono-layer materials, rigid mono-layer materials, multi-layer and multi-material plastics led to environmental degradation that affects the ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, hence the need for effective waste management system.
He pointed out that the guidelines sets clear targets for collection, recycling, and recovery of plastic waste by ensuring that Nigeria inches closer to a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded.
Barikor informed that the EPR programme is in line with the eight point agenda of President Bola Tinubu on sustainable environment.
He noted that the APC-led administration understands the nexus between democracy, economic development and environmental sustainability, adding that all strong democracies have promoted economic development without compromising the environment.
The DG assured business entities that NESREA will strike a balance between business and environment without compromising responsible environmental behaviour.
He appreciated the Government of Japan, through its Embassy in Nairobi, UNEP, World Bank, UNIDO and other international, national and individual experts for their financial and technical supports, dedication to work and participation in the project.
The Japanese Embassy in Kenya represented by the First Secretary, Mariko Kimura commended NESREA for the laudable successes recorded in the EPR programme while pledging to continuously support the programme.
Plastic pollution may likely increase with Nigeria's exponential population, currently pegged at 220 million people and expected to rise to 401 million people by 2050.
It is therefore pertinent for all stakeholders to join forces with NESREA toward the speedy Implementation of the EPR programme.
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