FG Inaugurates Inter-Ministerial Committee to Enforce Single Use Plastic Ban

The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate and implement the nationwide ban on single-use plastics.

The inauguration took place in Abuja and was performed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in charge of the General Services Office, Mohammed Danjuma.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, Akume said the decision to ban single-use plastics was approved by the Federal Executive Council on June 25, 2024, following a memo presented by the Minister of Environment.

The banned items include polyethylene terephthalate bottles, Styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and straws, which the government said have continued to pose serious threats to the environment and public health.

He noted that the ban aims to reduce plastic pollution, protect ecosystems and marine life, and promote a cleaner and healthier environment across the country.

“The Federal Government arrived at this decision following a Federal Executive Council Memorandum EC (2024) presented by the Honorable Minister of Environment on Tuesday, 25 June 2024,” Akume was quoted as saying.

“The government therefore approved the ban on polyethylene terephthalate bottles, Styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and straws, which have become an environmental sanitation challenge. The inappropriate disposal of plastic materials is a major cause of marine pollution and land degradation. Plastic waste takes years to decompose and poses a serious threat to wildlife and public health due to toxic chemicals.”

According to the statement, the inter-ministerial committee comprises representatives from key ministries, departments, agencies, and stakeholders. It is tasked with developing strategies to enforce the ban and promote sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics nationwide.

The government said the move demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).