Tinubu Urged to Tackle Threats of Plastic Pollution

•Obaseki harps on collaboration

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been advised to take serious action towards addressing the threat of plastic pollution.

Speaking at the Commemoration of the World Environment Day in Abuja, the Chairman and Founder of Nigerian Centre for Climate Renewal, Resilience and Adaptation (NICRA), Alhaji Mohammad Danjuma, said the strong political will of the president, just as he did with the removal of fuel subsidy was required to address the challenge of plastic pollution in the country.

He explained: “Everyone knows that the policy concerning the use of plastic needs to be changed in the country to stop sachet water and the use of polythene, but no one wants to go there so as not to be seen as attacking the not too rich in the society.

“But definitely we need to put in place legal framework and physical structures to stop this as it is currently done in some other African countries. We have to take some bold decisions just like the removal of fuel subsidy to move ahead in life and not jeopardise the future of the country and life of Nigerians.”

He lamented that plastic waste had been singled out as one of the greatest contributors to flooding in the country, saying that the new administration should also take bold step to tackle the challenges in this area.

He added that: “At the Nigerian Centre for Climate Renewal, Resilience and Adaptation, we are committed to being part of the solution. Through innovative approaches and community engagement, we actively work towards reducing waste and promoting sustainable alternatives. “Our efforts include initiatives such as plastic recycling programs, advocating for plastic-free policies and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials.

“Furthermore, we recognise the importance of education and awareness in combating plastic pollution. By organising workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, we aim to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to make environmentally responsible choices.”

He insisted that: “Together, we can raise awareness about the dangers of single-use plastics and inspire the adoption of sustainable practices.”

Meanwhile, the federal government has acknowledged that plastic had become integral part of the society, even as it noted that its threats have to be checked.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim Idris said: “Plastic has become an integral part of the society due to its wide range of uses and economic benefits. However, it has negative consequences to human health, natural ecosystems and the climate.”

He noted that: “Nigeria is no stranger to the concerns over the increasing quantum of plastic waste in our environment from all manner of sources such as packaging/storage of food, drinks and beverages, shopping, etc. as they litter the environment, block drainages resulting in flooding and also release toxic gases when burnt or incinerated with devastating effects on our health and the environment.”

Idris, lamented that Nigeria was one of the countries with the fastest growing population in the world and produces enormous volumes of wastes as a result of her prevalent linear economy (extract-make-use-dispose) approach to production and consumption, where materials are used to manufacture products that last one lifespan before becoming waste.

“This approach is particularly resource inefficient and contributes significantly to resource depletion and waste generation, hence, inimical to the achievement of sustainable development goals,” he added.

In a related development, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for collaborative efforts to tackle the challenge of plastic waste as parts move to building a sustainable environment.

He made the call at an event to commemorate the 2023 World Environment Day with the theme ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution’, held at the Government House in Benin City.

The governor who was represented by the State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, said efforts to solve the challenge of plastic pollution required concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including investors.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting a healthy and conducive environment to live and work, noting that, “It is in recognition of the importance of the environment to the overall well-being and prosperity that I enjoin every one of us to use this commemoration as a window to relaunch strategies for realising utmost care for our environment.

“It is a known fact that human beings produce more than 430 million tonnes of plastic annually. Most of them being short lived plastic products and available data shows that these plastic products fill water and open surfaces, causing distortions, poisoning marine life, destroying the soil, damage to wildlife and significant threat to human health.

“As a government, this event will be a veritable platform to complement previous efforts at resolving the problems of environmental pollution and waste management, flooding, sanitation of public places, and climate change issues.”

The governor said, “The plan to have an integrated waste management system that supports sustainable environmental management has begun which will allow for the sorting, bagging, and transfer of waste to a collection point before final evacuation to a dumpsite that promotes zero plastic waste consideration and the enormous value and benefit that could be derived from the recycling of materials.

“The recycling of plastics provides opportunities for entrepreneurs while the collection of used plastics provides passive income for households involved in the collection. In addition, recycled plastics will provide affordable, durable and flexible products for multipurpose use, unfortunately, used plastics are thrown away on a massive scale every year.”

Obaseki further noted, “Edo State Government under my leadership has been working assiduously to rewrite the unpleasant narratives about the ugly state of our environment by redirecting key institutions on best practices that encourage participation and ownership of sanitation and waste management programmes by the people.

“Among the environmental challenges we have had to contend with is flooding that mainly arises from the dumping of plastic containers and solid wastes in drains and waterways causing blockages which has not only aggravated the problem of perennial flooding in many of our urban centres but also negatively affected our ecosystem.

“It behooves us to urgently fashion out collective responses that promote the participation of individuals and communities in mitigating the menace.

“I want to appeal to everyone to take action in encouraging a culture of cleanliness at home and in our communities, which will help to mobilise other citizens of our state on innovative waste management as well as the protection of our environment. The choices we make today will help us shape a better future for our next generation.”

“We will continue to make the needed investment and create an environment for entrepreneurs and stakeholders to participate in our integrated waste management initiative.”

In his lecture, the representative of the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Dr. Andrew Amenaghawon, said it was urgent to fight the menace of plastic waste as it takes more than 400 years for plastics to decompose.