The Federal Government(FG) of Nigeria has taken a major step toward environmental sustainability by inaugurating an Inter-Ministerial Committee to enforce the nationwide ban on single-use plastics (SUPs). The ceremony took place in Abuja, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by Permanent Secretary Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma.
The committee by the FG will coordinate and supervise the ban, assess its social and economic impacts, and promote sustainable alternatives across the country. It will focus on major plastic pollutants, including PET bottles, styrofoam containers, plastic bags, sachet water packs, and plastic straws—materials identified as significant threats to the environment.
Akume, through Danjuma, explained that the committee follows approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in June 2024. He noted that single-use plastics pose serious risks to public health, marine life, and ecosystems, as these materials take hundreds of years to decompose.
The committee includes representatives from multiple ministries, departments, agencies, and stakeholders, ensuring a collaborative approach to reducing plastic pollution. Its tasks include identifying challenges linked to SUPs, evaluating the ban’s effects on industries and consumers, and promoting best practices for environmental protection.
This initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to aligning national policies with global sustainability standards, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The government aims to provide guidance, support compliance, and advocate for eco-friendly alternatives.
With the committee now in place, Nigeria is taking a decisive step to curb plastic waste, protect natural resources, and encourage environmentally responsible practices across communities and industries. This move positions the country as a regional leader in addressing plastic pollution and promoting a cleaner, safer environment for its citizens.
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