The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to drive the implementation of the nationwide ban on single-use plastics (SUPs).
The inauguration of the committee signalled a major shift in Nigeria's environmental management policy and the nation's commitment to global sustainability standards.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary overseeing the General Services Office, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, inaugurated the committee yesterday in Abuja.
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, quoted Akume as saying that the government's decision reflected its resolve to confront the rising health and environmental threats caused by indiscriminate use and disposal of plastic products.
Akume explained that the policy followed a Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval granted on June 25, 2024, based on a memorandum presented by the Minister of Environment.
The FEC endorsed the ban on polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water and straws -- items he described as major contributors to environmental sanitation challenges nationwide.
"The inappropriate disposal of plastic materials is a major cause of marine pollution as well as land degradation. Plastic wastes take a longer time to decompose both on land and in water and, therefore, pose a serious threat to wildlife and public health due to toxic chemicals," he said.
The SGF noted that the ban aligned with Nigeria's commitment to global environmental standards and its obligations under international conventions aimed at combating pollution, preserving ecosystems, and protecting marine life.
The newly inaugurated committee comprises representatives of key ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as stakeholder organisations.
It will coordinate and oversee the implementation of policies and strategies to phase out single-use plastics across the country.
Its terms of reference include investigating issues associated with SUPs, evaluating the benefits and wider implications of the ban, and designing practical approaches to promote best environmental practices within the plastic value chain.
The government said the measure underscored Nigeria's leadership role in environmental stewardship and reinforced its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible consumption, life below water, and climate action.