The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an inter-ministerial committee to enforce a nationwide ban on single-use plastics. The inauguration took place in Abuja by SGF George Akume, represented by Permanent Secretary Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, the OSGF spokesperson, Segun Imohiosen, confirmed.
The ban follows the Federal Executive Council’s approval of a memo by the Minister of Environment on June 25, 2024. Items banned include PET bottles, styrofoam, plastic bags, sachet water, and straws.
Akume said the ban aims to reduce plastic pollution and its harmful effects on public health, ecosystems, and marine life. Improper disposal of plastics causes land and marine pollution. Plastics take years to decompose and contain toxic chemicals.
“These items have become a major environmental and public health challenge,” Akume said.
The committee includes representatives from ministries, agencies, and stakeholder organizations. Its role is to coordinate policies, phase out single-use plastics, assess impacts, and promote sustainable practices across the plastic value chain.
The government said the ban demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to environmental protection and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group shows Nigeria produces 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly, with Lagos State contributing 870,000 tonnes. Lagos had already banned styrofoam and single-use plastics in 2024, and the new federal committee aims to expand the ban nationwide.
